Two SAPS officers, Detective Sergeant Khiba Zulu and Detective Sergeant Tshepo Thae, appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court where they were denied bail. Picture: Sandi Kwon Hoo
TWO SAPS officials attached to the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigations unit will remain in custody after being denied bail in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.
Detective Sergeant Khiba Zulu and Detective Sergeant Tshepo Thae are facing a series of charges, including fraud, corruption, forgery, theft, defeating the ends of justice, and contravention of Section 9 of the Justice Act.
The officers are alleged to be part of a vehicle syndicate involving both police officials and civilians.
They allegedly seized vehicles, including a Kia Rio, Jeep Cherokee, BMW, and Porsche, valued at approximately R2.5 million in Kimberley, with the intention of selling them in the city and the Free State during September and October 2024.
The vehicles were reportedly never booked into the police pound, and their chassis numbers were allegedly tampered with.
A third police officer, Sergeant OB Goshupelwang from the Hartswater police station, was arrested by the Northern Cape Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit on January 8 and added to the charge sheet.
Goshupelwang was granted bail of R10,000, along with co-accused Phenyo Sekutenyane, Shepherd Ndimande and Thapelo Phandile, who were previously released on bail of R10,000 each.
Kimberley Magistrate Memory Qomoyi pointed out that the accused were facing similar charges in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
“Thae was on bail of R1,000 at the time that the offences were committed and has a pending matter on similar charges. He was transferred to the Galeshewe police station and was involved in cases outside the scope of his duties,” said Qomoyi.
She was not convinced that the accused would comply with their bail conditions.
“The accused are members of the SAPS. The court is of the view that they may jeopardise the criminal justice system and undermine public security if they are released.”
Qomoyi further emphasised the seriousness of the charges, adding that the trial could potentially be heard in the district court due to the gravity of the alleged offences.
She stated that Thae had not submitted evidence to substantiate claims of his wife’s ill health.
“He testified that his parents are pensioners, which means they receive a pension as a form of income,” Qomoyi added.
She stated that Zulu had also not provided proof of his medical conditions, after claiming that he needed an operation.
“There are health facilities in prison. He may commit more offences if he is released on bail while the investigation is at a sensitive stage. According to the State, there are other police officials involved.”
She highlighted that Zulu also had pending matters in court.
“The accused is facing Schedule 6 charges and he may not comply with his bail conditions. He became involved in motor vehicle-related crimes after being placed in a restricted work environment subsequent to his arrest.”
Qomoyi concluded that the personal circumstances presented to the court by the accused did not justify their release on bail.
“Anyone with a relationship has children and a job and this does not amount to exceptional circumstances,” she noted.
She postponed the matter until January 31 for further investigations.
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