Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the embattled Detective Sergeant Klass Edmond Mulungwa was arrested following an intense investigation by the provincial anti-corruption unit.
Image: SAPS
A 46-year-old Limpopo police sergeant attached to the Tzaneen family violence, child protection, and sexual offences (FCS) unit has appeared before the Ritavi Magistrate's Court, facing charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the embattled Detective Sergeant Klass Edmond Mulungwa was arrested following an investigation by the provincial anti-corruption unit.
On Wednesday, the court released Mulungwa on R1,000 bail, and his case was postponed to April 25.
“The arrest follows allegations that on February 6, 2024, Detective Sergeant Klass Edmond Mulungwa failed to escort a prisoner for mental observation at a mental hospital. On the same day, concerns were raised when the accused in a schedule six offence, a case of rape of a minor, was released from custody without a formal bail application,” said Mashaba.
“An internal investigation revealed that Detective Sergeant Mulungwa had allegedly acted without authorization, misleading the prosecutor into believing that the bail was not opposed.”
Following a thorough investigation, the case was presented to the director of public prosecutions, and a warrant of arrest was issued.
On Tuesday, members of the Limpopo provincial anti-corruption unit and tactical response team (TRT) arrested the detective while he was on duty. He was detained at Ritavi police station ahead of his court appearance.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrest, and reaffirmed the police’s “zero-tolerance stance on corruption”.
She emphasised that officers found abusing their powers will face the full might of the law.
Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Image: SAPS
Earlier on Thursday, IOL reported that a 44-year-old police detective, based in Gauteng has been arrested in Limpopo after he was found in possession of nyaope drugs and a suspected stolen vehicle.
The police officer was intercepted on Wednesday while driving along the N1 South freeway, outside Polokwane, according to Mashaba.
“The police constable from Silverton detectives component was found in possession of 2,095 sachets of nyaope, worth approximately R85,000 and was driving a suspected stolen Nissan NP200 with Gauteng registration plates,” said Mashaba.
The police constable, a member of the detectives unit at Silverton in Pretoria, was allegedly found in possession of 2,095 sachets of nyaope, worth approximately R85,000 and was driving a stolen Nissan NP200 with Gauteng registration plates.
Image: SAPS
“The vehicle was intercepted near Shell Ultra City during an intelligence-driven operation by the provincial anti-smuggling unit, jointly with Tshimollo private security.”
The police officer was armed with his service pistol, which was confiscated during his arrest.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL
Related Topics: