Praktiseer: A 56-year-old police officer, identified as Warrant Officer Tikishi Gilbert Makofane, has been granted bail of R500 at the Praktiseer Magistrate Court after facing charges of defeating the ends of justice.

According to South African Police Service, the incident traces back to Friday, 15 November 2024, when members of the Ohrigstad SAPS Crime Prevention Unit intercepted a minibus suspected of transporting stolen water pipes. The individuals in the minibus failed to provide satisfactory explanations for the pipes’ origin, leading to their arrest and the confiscation of the vehicle.

The minibus, central to the alleged crime, was taken to the police station for further investigation. However, during the registration of the case, Makofane reportedly took the keys to the minibus and returned them to the owner without following proper procedures or notifying the investigating officer. This action was discovered when officers attempted to complete the seizure forms and found the vehicle missing from the premises.

The incident prompted the opening of a case docket for defeating the ends of justice, and the matter was escalated to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for a thorough investigation. The probe resulted in the arrest of Makofane on Thursday, 16 October 2025. His next court appearance is scheduled for 28 October 2025 at the Leboeng Magistrate Court.