NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has warned members to refrain from corrupt activities. The stern warning comes after two suspects, Sergeant Santana Mtsweni, 40, and Mpumelelo Dlamini, 33, appeared at the Kriel Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 28 April 2022 facing various charges including, corruption, extortion, defeating the ends of justice, theft as well as Contravention of the Immigration Act.

According to the allegations, Dlamini claimed she was raped by her male friend and apparently extorted money from him, an amount of R1500-00, instead of reporting the matter to the police. The matter was brought to the attention of Sergeant Mtsweni, who works as a detective at Kriel SAPS and he too reportedly demanded an amount of R8000-00 from the said male friend.

The male friend then made payment of R1000-00 to the said member who then demanded more, prompting him to report the matter. Police arrived as he (Mtsweni) was being paid more money and swiftly arrested him as well as the woman. Police discovered during their investigation that the woman is originally from the Kingdom of Eswatini and was in South Africa illegally as she did not have a passport hence a charge of contravention of the Immigration Act added upon her.

Sergeant Mtsweni was granted R2000-00 bail during the court appearance while Mpumelelo Dlamini was remanded in custody and will appear again on 05 May 2022.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further appreciated members for acting without fear or favour thereby showing that no one is above the law as they arrested one within their ranks.

Source: South African Police Service