Bail granted for officer in extortion case

Sergeant must not go near police station

EAST London police sergeant Monwabisi Njokwana, who is facing charges of corruption and extortion, was granted R3 000 bail by the East London Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Njokwana broke down and cried in court while he was leading evidence at the request of his attorney Bongani Macingwane.

He was arrested on Tuesday by the provincial SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit.

The state called the investigating officer on the case Warrant Officer Khayakazi Mqobongo, who testified that the unit launched an investigation after receiving numerous complaints against Njokwana.

She said the officer was based in the Fleet Street police station, where he conducted frontline duties such as assisting members of the community, with administrative duties.

“We were informed that he was charging a fee to members of the public for the services the SAPS renders for free. We received complaints that he was selling affidavits and fingerprint forms for people looking for employment.”

On June 21 a police agent went undercover and pretended to be a member of the community who needed an employment inquiry form and affidavit.

The transaction was caught on video and audio-tape and the money used was photocopied.

On June 27 another police agent was used to pose as a member of the community in need of an employment inquiry form and the transaction was caught on video and audio-tape.

The money used was also photocopied and later found in the accused’s pocket,” Mqobongo said, adding the total amount used was R300.

She said Njokwana should not be granted bail, arguing that he would continue committing the same crime, evade trial, conceal and destroy evidence and interfere with state witnesses.

She said Njokwana preyed on poor community members who did not have jobs but still expected them to pay.

“Furthermore there is an outcry by members of the public regarding the poor service they get from the SAPS,” Mqobongo said.

His attorney argued that there was no way he was going to interfere with witnesses as he did not know them or tamper with evidence which was under lock and key.

“You know when he goes to work he is going to be suspended right? So how is he going to continue committing the offences?” asked Macingwane.

Magistrate Nazeem Joemath said it was not in the interest of justice to keep Njokwana in custody until the finalisation of the matter.

“However, SAPS disciplinary proceedings takes longer in such a way that when the applicant is back here in court again he might still be wearing a uniform.

“I am going to grant him bail with the condition that he does not go anywhere near the police station until this matter is finalised,” Joemath said.

The case was postponed to August 4 for further investigation. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za