Germiston – Three police officers, Sergeant Rofhiwa Sethari (38), Constable Livhuwani Oriel Matundu (36), and Fulufhelo Jonathan Matodzi (32), appeared before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 October 2024, facing charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice.
The charges stem from an incident that took place on 21 October 2023. According to reports, the officers allegedly stopped a complainant in the Germiston area and requested to search his vehicle. The complainant granted permission, and the officers later escorted him to his residence. Upon arrival, they searched another vehicle parked on the property, as well as the complainant’s home.
During the search, one of the officers discovered the complainant’s child holding a plastic bag containing R180,000 in cash. The officer took the bag and informed his colleagues that they had found what they were looking for. The complainant was then taken to Jeppe Police Station, detained briefly, and later dropped off in Germiston.
The incident was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, which launched an inquiry leading to the arrest of the three officers exactly a year later, on Monday, 21 October 2024. Following their arrest, the officers appeared in court on the same day, where they were each granted bail of R1,000.
The case has been postponed to 16 November 2024 for further investigation.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing as they continue to gather more evidence to bring the matter to a resolution. The Hawks have urged the public to report any corrupt activities within the police force to ensure justice is served.
