Police Sergeant Allegedly Took Bribe to Facilitate Woman’s Court Release

Polokwane – Authorities have issued a court summons for a 44-year-old police sergeant accused of facilitating the unlawful release of a detained female foreign national prior to her deportation.

The allegations suggest that the sergeant, employed at the Northam Police Station in Limpopo, was serving as a court orderly during the incident of escape from lawful custody that occurred on 30 October 2023.

The situation was revealed when inmates returned to the Northam Police Station after court proceedings.

During a routine inspection, two relief commanders discovered that a female detainee set for deportation had not been returned to her cell.

It is reported that when questioned by officials, the sergeant claimed he was on his way to the police station but failed to report to work the next day.

The detained foreign national was subsequently located and re-arrested in 2023.

Allegedly, a substantial amount of money was exchanged for the court orderly’s role in her unlawful release.

The case has been submitted to the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation.

After the inquiry, the case file was handed over to the Senior Public Prosecutor for evaluation.

Following the prosecutor’s determination, the sergeant received his summons on Friday, 3 July 2026.

He faces charges of corruption and aiding and abetting, with his initial court appearance set at the Northam Magistrate’s Court on 31 July 2026.

Major-General Jan Scheepers, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, stated: “This arrest sends a strong message that any member who compromises the rule of law and the integrity of our service will be held fully accountable.”

“I would like to thank the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for their thorough investigation that led to these charges.”

The sergeant is required to appear in court on 31 July 2026 to address the charges of corruption and aiding and abetting.