Police Sergeant Charged with Accepting Bribe for Woman’s Court Release

Polokwane – A 44-year-old police sergeant has been issued a court summons for allegedly enabling the unlawful release of a detained female foreign national prior to her deportation.

As per the allegations, this sergeant, assigned to the Northam Police Station in Limpopo, served as a court orderly during the incident of unauthorized escape that occurred on 30 October 2023.

The matter became evident when inmates returned to the Northam Police Station following their court proceedings.

During a routine inspection, two relieving commanders found that a female detainee, scheduled for deportation, had not been brought back to her cell.

Reports suggest that when questioned by officials, the sergeant claimed he was on his way to the police station but failed to report for duty the next day.

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

It is alleged that a substantial amount of money was exchanged for the sergeant’s role in her illegal release.

The investigation has been forwarded to the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further action.

After the investigation, the case file was submitted 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 for 31 July 2026 at the Northam Magistrate’s Court.

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

“I express my thanks to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for their thorough investigation resulting in these charges.”

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