Seven charged with corruption

FIVE members of the Komani flying squad, along with a police reservist and a civilian, were arrested in the town on Tuesday.

The seven appeared in the Komani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for allegedly taking bribes in relation to or in exchange for drugs.

Provincial police spokeswoman colonel Sibongile Soci said the arrests were part of efforts to rid the police service of corruption.

The operation had involved members of the detective services, anti-corruption unit, crime intelligence, criminal records and crime scene management, and the tactical response team.

The suspects appeared in court on charges of corruption. “The charges relate to taking bribes in relation to or in exchange for drugs.”

Soci named the accused as Monwabisi Dyongo, 49, Dalithemba Maheshana, 46, Andiswa Jikumlambo, 40, Siyanda Gunuza, 37, Sipho Nene, 34, Mzimkhulu Ndevu, 39, and Makgotso Kesa, 45.

Maheshana and Nene were both granted R500 bail, while the others were denied bail.

It could not be established which of the arrested were police officers.

Soci said the case was remanded to next Tuesday.

Provincial commissioner lieutenant-general Liziwe Ntshinga said the arrests should send a strong message to members and employees of the Saps.

“As the custodians of law and order, we will not hesitate to arrest our own members or employees when they involve themselves in any form of criminality.”

More arrests were imminent.