R1,000 bail for Gauteng cops who allegedly searched house, found bag with R180K and took it! Three police officers, Sergeant Rofhiwa Sethari (38), Constable Livhuwani Oriel Matundu (36), and Fulufhelo Jonathan Matodzi (32), recently appeared before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice.
The officers were arrested following an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
The incident unfolded when the officers stopped a man driving around Germiston and requested permission to search his vehicle.
The complainant, cooperating with the officers, allowed them to search his car. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the officers insisted on following the man to his residence to continue their search.
According to the Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, the search extended beyond the vehicle to the complainant’s home. Upon arrival, the officers proceeded to inspect another vehicle parked on the property before moving indoors. During this search, one of the officers allegedly found the complainant’s child holding a plastic bag containing R180,000 in cash.
This discovery appeared to be what the officers were seeking, as they confiscated the money and informed the other officers that their search had yielded results.
Following the confiscation of the money, the officers took the complainant into custody and transported him to Jeppe Police Station. He was detained for a period but was later released and dropped off back in Germiston. The events that transpired after the detention raised suspicions and led the complainant to report the incident to the authorities.
The matter was swiftly referred to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, which launched an inquiry into the officers’ conduct.
The investigation uncovered evidence of misconduct, leading to the arrest of the three officers on the same day the search took place.
The officers appeared in court shortly after their arrest and were granted bail set at R1,000 each. The court proceedings were postponed to November 16, 2024, to allow for further investigation into the allegations against them.
The legal process will determine whether the officers are guilty of the charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice, which stem from their actions during the unlawful search and seizure.
In response to the arrests, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, praised the investigation team for their swift and thorough work.
Kadwa emphasized that no one is above the law, including law enforcement officers who are entrusted with upholding the law. He noted that the conduct of the three officers undermines the integrity of the police service and erodes public trust in law enforcement institutions.
“The arrest of these police officers should send a clear message that corruption and misconduct will not be tolerated, especially within the ranks of law enforcement,” Kadwa said.
He reiterated the Hawks’ commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability across all sectors, particularly within the police force, which plays a critical role in maintaining justice and order in society.
This case shines a spotlight on the importance of internal oversight within law enforcement agencies. Corruption and misconduct, when left unchecked, can severely damage the reputation of the police service and weaken public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The Hawks’ quick action in investigating and apprehending the officers involved demonstrates a commitment to holding law enforcement accountable to the same standards as any other citizen.
As the case progresses, more details are likely to emerge about the events that led to the confiscation of the R180,000 and the actions taken by the officers involved. For now, the legal system will determine the outcome of the case as the officers await further proceedings.
