Eight police officers appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, facing charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice.
The accused include five members attached to the Potchefstroom Flying Squad: Sergeant Marvin Demande (38), Sergeant Moses Dhlamini (41), Sergeant Funekile Maqanda (40), Sergeant Tsietsi Ramadie (47), and Sergeant Mothibedi Ramohanoe (46). Additionally, three officers from the Ventersdorp Police Station—Constable Solomen Landt (43), Sergeant Jan Morakabe (43), and Sergeant Josia Mothebe (42)—were also charged.
The arrests were made earlier on Tuesday by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and Serious Corruption Investigation units. The case stems from an incident in November 2024, where the officers allegedly intercepted a truck transporting illicit cigarettes near Ventersdorp.
According to reports, the accused conducted a search and discovered boxes of illicit cigarettes. However, a preliminary investigation by Crime Intelligence revealed discrepancies in the handling of the seized goods. While the officers registered a case for possession of illicit cigarettes, they reportedly booked fewer boxes into the SAP13 store than were originally confiscated.
Further investigation led authorities to a residence in Potchefstroom, where several boxes of cigarettes—valued at approximately R125,000—were allegedly found in one of the suspect’s vehicles.
Following a thorough probe, the officers were arrested and formally charged. During their court appearance, each was granted bail of R1,000. The case has been postponed to 09 October 2025 for further investigation.
