A Brits Cluster Trio Task Team Investigator arrested three suspects for bribery on Tuesday, 2 October 2018. The accused, two females and a male aged between 16 and 39 made a brief appearance before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 4 October 2018.
Of the three accused, two of them, Lebogang Maluleke (18) and Thomas Makume (39), were remanded in custody until Thursday, 11 October 2018 while the third accused, aged 16, was released under the custody of her parents.
The trio’s apprehension emanated from an incident in which they tried to bribe an investigating officer for the release of three accused that were held for murder and business robbery.
It is alleged that on Friday, 24 August 2018, Bongani Mhlongo (30), Happy Fatso Sibanda (26) and Zacharia Sithole (23) entered a local tuckshop in Assen where they robbed airtime and cellular phones from the shopkeeper, Awano Abebe (30), before killing him.
The suspects were arrested a few days after the alleged incident and have been in custody since then. Their next court appearance will be on Monday, 29 October 2018.
Allegedly, on Tuesday, 2 October 2018, a relative of one of the robbery and murder accused as well as two friends went to meet with the investigating officer. During the meeting, the trio produced R10 000.00 in cash in an attempt to bribe the officer to let their loved ones free. Their mission was unsuccessful as they were immediately arrested by the investigating officer for bribery and the money was seized.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane applauded the investigating officer for his honesty and integrity. She also encouraged other members to follow the ethical conduct displayed by the member. She warned criminals that the police will leave no stone unturned to ensure successful prosecution of trio and contact crimes.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
