Lehurutshe, North West – October 30, 2024
Three police officers from the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) at Lehurutshe, North West, were taken into custody following suspicions of corruption. The arrest was made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit after an alert officer at Ramatlabama Port of Entry identified irregularities in the clearance documents of two vehicles attempting to cross the border.
The arrested officers, Tshepiso Theresa Boikanyo (45), Keorapetse Aubrey Molefe (44), and Tshedimosetso Bridgette Nku (22), appeared in the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court and were each granted bail of R500.00. They face charges of corruption and are set to appear again in court on Monday, December 9, 2024.
According to initial findings, the three officers allegedly accepted payments to issue vehicle clearance certificates for two vehicles—a white Toyota Hilux and a silver Volkswagen Polo—that had been tampered with. These clearance documents, required under the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) for cross-border travel, were discovered to be fraudulent. The alert officer’s suspicions at Ramatlabama led to the vehicles’ seizure and further investigation.
The SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit acted promptly, resulting in the officers’ arrest and subsequent suspension pending an internal disciplinary investigation in accordance with SAPS’ 2016 Disciplinary Regulations.
SAPS has reminded the public that SARPCCO and other vehicle clearance certificates are issued free of charge and warns against any attempt to solicit or pay for these services. Those who have been asked for payment are encouraged to contact the Anti-Corruption Unit for assistance.
In a notable detail, one of the officers arrested is a pregnant woman, underscoring the broader implications and challenges surrounding corruption within the police force.
The SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that any breach of trust is dealt with firmly to maintain public confidence in law enforcement.
