A 46-year-old man was arrested for his wife’s alleged murder. Photo: Twitter / @SAPoliceService
Three traffic cops and a police officer arrested for robbery and bribery in Nkandla
Two men were allegedly forced to pay a R1000 bribe to a group of traffic cops before being robbed by a police officer later on the same day.
A 46-year-old man was arrested for his wife’s alleged murder. Photo: Twitter / @SAPoliceService
A number of law enforcement officials have been arrested in connection with the bribery and robbery of two men travelling through Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, on 28 April 2022.
TOUGH DAY IN NKANDLA FOR VICTIMS IN TRUCK
On 9 August, Sergeant Sicelo Mabanga, 44, from the Empangeni police station, and tow truck owner Mduduzi Nsizwana Maluleka, 46, were arrested in connection with the incident.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said two blue lights used in the commission of the alleged robbery were seized.
“The duo appeared before the Nkandla Magistrates Court on 10 August 2022 and they were remanded in custody. The matter has been adjourned to 24 August 2022 for bail application,” said Gwala.
Three traffic officers – Noxolo Velile Mngoma, 23, Silindile Samukelisiwe Biyela, 24, and Sandile Bongumenzi Zulu were tracked down back in April on the day of the incident and arrested. “They last appeared on 29 July 2022 when the two women were granted bail. The matter was remanded to 28 August 2022,” said Gwala.
All the arrests stem from the day the two victims were transporting 100 boxes of body lotion to Nkandla. They encountered vehicular difficulties and headed to a repair centre for help.
While a mechanic was test-driving the truck, it was allegedly stopped by the Nkandla traffic officers who asked to see the mechanic’s driver’s license. It was expired and the traffic cops allegedly demanded a R1000 bribe, which was given to them.
Later on, as the truck headed to its destination, a white double cab bakkie emerged. It had two occupants, one of whom was wearing a facemask with the SAPS emblem.
The man in the mask allegedly exited the bakkie, pointed a firearm at the victims and forced them to lie down before tying them up with cable ties and taking the truck’s keys.
“The suspects drove to the bush where they removed all the boxes. The suspects also took R3000 in cash from the victims,” said the police spokesperson.
Initially, a case of robbery, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, kidnapping and bribery was opened for investigation at Nkandla police station. The arrests and subsequent court appearances followed.
READ:
