Two Limpopo police officers jailed for R500 Tjotjo
Two Limpopo Police officers aged 32 and 52 were sentenced to four years imprisonment with two years suspended, for soliciting a R500 bribe from a suspect’s family in exchange for his release.
On 02 January 2023, the duo stationed at Mahwelereng police station, responded to a complaint of possession of suspected stolen property at Ga-Molekane village, outside Mokopane.
They took a male suspect into custody and drove away with him. His sister was then contacted and asked to bring R1000-00 for his release.
She managed to gather R500 which she handed over to the accused along N11 public road near Molekane village, Waterberg District as instructed.
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However, instead of releasing her brother, they dropped him off at Mahwelereng Mall at Moshate crossing. The suspect was re-arrested by the members of the community and taken to the police station where he was detained.
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The Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit was alerted about the incident and an investigation was launched. Colonel Benjamin Mashitisho investigated the matter with diligence and subsequently managed to apprehend the two male accused on 23 July 2024.
The duo made several court appearances at Polokwane Magistrate Court and were later each granted R5000-00 bail until they were found guilty on Wednesday 08 April 2026.
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Rapi Prince Sekopana [52] and Thabang Brian Ledwaba [32] were sentenced to four years imprisonment with two years suspended. The accused will serve a minimum of two years of direct imprisonment and were also declared unfit to possess firearms.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence.
“We are resolute in our commitment to root out corruption within the South African Police Service,” she said.
“This conviction sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who undermine the integrity of our organization are held accountable. Our focus remains on serving and protecting our communities with honesty and professionalism.”
