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Five police officers appeared in Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court on Tuesday for defeating the ends of justice and convening an illegal meeting under the Disaster Management Act after the station commander allegedly found them drinking in a tavern on weekend of week.
Peter Motsoeneng, Aaron Masole, Dieketseng Tsotetsi and Thabo Mokoena were arrested Sunday when they showed up for service at the Namahadi police station near Frankfort in the Free State.
According to the provincial spokesman for the National Fiscal Authority (NPA) Phaladi Shuping, the officers allegedly went to a tavern near Namahadi on Saturday where they allegedly found the owner drinking. Then they allegedly bought him liquor and sat down for a drink.
“The station commander was alerted to the situation and went to the place where he found all the accused drinking alcohol while on duty. The members fled the scene upon seeing the station commander and other police officers,” Shuping said.
READ | 12 policemen arrested over the weekend, including 5 who drank at the Free State tavern
Four of the police officers were arrested Sunday when they showed up for service. The fifth officer was arrested at his home after he called in sick.
“Four officers were released on bail of R1 500 each. The fifth officer, Frans Moloi, a police resident, was given bail of R1,000.”
The case was postponed until July 15 for further investigation.
National Police spokesman Brigadier VishnuĀ Naidoo previously said that while its members face criminal charges, internal SAPS processes will also take place.
“Fight corruption and restore the integrity of the [SAPS] they remain a priority for police management. The arrest of ours will send a stern warning to all men and women in blue, as well as to all law enforcement agencies to avoid crime and corruption at all times. “
While these incidents were disappointing, it should be noted that these are isolated incidents, Naidoo said.
“The arrest of these police officers is indicative of SAPS’s commitment in the fight against this [coronavirus] pandemic, “added Naidoo.
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