The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has arrested a 42-year-old police sergeant stationed at the Lebombo Port of Entry for alleged corruption following a targeted operation conducted on Monday, 8 June.
The arrest stems from information received through Crime Intelligence regarding criminal activities at the Lebombo Port of Entry. Intelligence indicated that criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft, car hijackings, and vehicle insurance fraud were allegedly colluding with corrupt law enforcement officials to facilitate the illegal movement of stolen and fraudulently obtained vehicles from South Africa into Mozambique.
According to the investigation, corrupt officials allegedly received financial gratification, with payments depending on the type of vehicle being allowed to cross the border without interception or arrest.
An enquiry was subsequently registered. Authorisation was obtained to conduct a covert operation.
Members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) in Nelspruit, supported by Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Crime Intelligence, and Surveillance teams, successfully executed the operation.
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During the operation, the suspect, who was on duty at the time, allegedly accepted a gratification payment from an undercover agent.
The suspect was arrested at the Lebombo Port of Entry and found in possession of the operational funds amounting to R80 000.00, which were recovered during the arrest. A case of corruption has been registered for further investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court today.
