Cop, prosecutor accused of bribery
AN AWAITING-trial prisoner in King William’s Town has opened a case of extortion and corruption against an SAPS organised crime unit detective and a state prosecutor after they allegedly demanded money from him to have his armed robbery case swept under the carpet.
The prisoner, who was arrested with five others in connection with an East London tobacco van robbery last August and another robbery at a King William’s Town bar, claims the detective approached him with the demand before going to Mthatha to collect R7 500 from his wife.
He claims the detective later visited him in prison and demanded more, alleging that most of the R7 500 was taken by the prosecutor involved in the case.
The prisoner, who is not being named, claims he later handed over another R500, yet remains behind bars while his five co-accused are out on bail. Both the detective’s name and that of the state prosecutor are known to the Daily Dispatch.
Provincial police spokeswoman Brigadier Marinda Mills said: “I can confirm that a case of fraud has been opened at the KWT police station.
“The investigation is continuing and we have not arrested any individual, therefore the names of suspects cannot be released or confirmed.”
According to the prisoner, he was arrested in Mthatha in August for his alleged involvement in both the East London and King William’s Town armed robberies.
“I was then taken to the organised crime unit’s East London office.”
He alleged a detective had visited him and told him that he and the prosecutor could make the case ‘go away’ if he paid them R7 500.
He further alleged the detective drove to Mthatha and met with his wife “that same day” and she then handed over the money.
He said the detective later returned and said a large chunk of the money was taken by the prosecutor and that he needed an additional R500, which he was allegedly given.
However, when the prisoner was not released on bail with his co-accused, he questioned the prosecutor, who denied ever receiving the money from the detective.
“He told me he knew nothing about such payment and later advised me to go and open up a case with the King police.”
He then contacted the police on January 11 from prison.
“Two police officers then visited me this week and assisted me in opening a case of extortion and corruption against the two men.”
The prisoner said he now feared for the lives of his family members.
The man’s wife said the detective had visited her Mthatha home in September to collect the money.
“I got a call from my husband telling me that someone would collect the money,” she said.