National Police Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole said he is “appalled” at the 17 East London police officers who appeared in court on Wednesday on charges of corruption.
The 17, who are attached to the East London Port Of Entry, handed themselves over to investigators at the Anti-Corruption Unit’s offices in East London.
They appeared in court where they were granted bail of R1 000 each.
“The case has been remanded to 23 May 2018,” said National Police spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo.
He said in a statement that the “Provincial Detective’s Anti-Corruption Unit instituted a probe prompted by intelligence and information on allegations of corruption against the members; two Captains – Melanie Zanda Ryllyn and Nomzamo Badli, Constables – Likhaya Ngcobondwana, Lulama Princess Lusiti, Tiso Monde, Zingisile Booi, Lindelwa Nkolose, Aphiwe Mangesi, Tabang Moletsana, Siphokazi Loliwe, Andile Sibawu, Bongani Valisi, Edgar Ndlovu, Sithembiso Kofi, Xolisa Lawana, Monde Tyali and Justice Njokweni”.
Naidoo said they are alleged to have defrauded the state of an estimated amount of R100 000.
“Their alleged fraudulent transactions occurred when they were deployed on police operations in Aliwal North during the festive season between December 2016 and January 2017,” he said.
“They are alleged to have inflated invoices for accommodation on which they made claims to the South African Police Service.”
“While I am appalled at the news that 17 of our members have been involved in alleged corrupt activities, I am equally elated that they are being brought to book. I am also elated at the fact that majority of our other members of the SAPS are hardworking, dedicated and loyal servants of our organisation”, said General Sitole.
“This is also evident in the efforts by the anti-corruption team that has worked tirelessly in identifying, investigating and bringing to book their very own colleagues”, added General Sitole.
