ADVERTISEMENT:

 

 
 

Shortly after they were caught and accused of receiving bribe money. From left to right are Const Percy Baloyi, Const Cynthia Masete and WO Mukondeleli Mutele in the holding cells of the Louis Trichardt Magistrate's Court.

More police arrested on corruption charges

Date: 05 March 2015 By: Isabel Venter

Three more policemen were arrested for allegedly helping to smuggle stolen vehicles across the South African border.

The three officers, stationed at the Pafuri port of entrance, were apprehend last Thursday. According to provincial police spokesperson Col Ronel Otto, they had allegedly received money in exchange for their help to smuggle the vehicles into Zimbabwe.  

Shortly after their arrest, WO Mukondeleli Mutele (45), Const Percy Baloyi (30) and Const Cynthia Masete (32) appeared in the Louis Trichardt District Court on charges relating to bribery and corruption. Otto could not confirm the duration of the alleged smuggling, or how many other police officers were paid to help the three suspects.

Mutele, Baloyi and Masete were caught in a police trap that was set for them as part of a year-long investigation.

After their brief court appearance, Mutele and Masete were both released on R7 500 each. Baloyi, who allegedly received a second bribe and was charged twice, was released on R15 000 bail (R7 500 on each count).

Otto said the investigation into the alleged smuggling continued and would determine how many stolen vehicles had been smuggled across the border.

All three accused immediately paid their bail. Their case was postponed until 27 March for further investigation. In the meantime, Mutele, Baloyi and Masete will be suspended, pending an internal police investigation.

In December last year, 19 Limpopo policemen were arrested for allegedly helping to smuggle illegal cigarettes. Following their arrest, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, the provincial police chief, said there was no place for corrupt members.

 
 
 

Viewed: 6849

 

 
 

Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

 
 

More photos... 

ADVERTISEMENT

 
 

ADVERTISEMENT:

 
 

ADVERTISEMENT