Another Mpumalanga man in hot water for impersonating cops
Three suspects allegedly visited a tavern owner and introduced themselves as police officers investigating a murder at his business, before later demanding money.
PRETORIA, June 29 (ANA) – Another Mpumalanga man has appeared before the Nelspruit magistrate’s court after he was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (the Hawks) serious corruption investigation team on charges of corruption and impersonating a police officer.
The case against Gift Themba Mthomboti stems from a June 2020 incident in which three suspects allegedly approached a tavern owner at his residence in Nelspruit and introduced themselves as police officers investigating a murder at his business, Hawks Mpumalanga spokeswoman Captain Dineo Sekgotodi said in a statement.
“They then informed the victim that he was under arrest (but) no further details were provided to him regarding the murder incident,” Sekgotodi said.
“The victim’s denial and alibi that he was sick at home and had no knowledge of the incident were ignored. They allegedly demanded R60,000 gratification for them not to carry out the arrest and further threatened him.”
According to the Hawks, the tavern owner gave in to the demands and handed money over to the trio. The three impersonators left the house, but one of them later came back to demand another R60,000 which he allegedly received.
The matter was reported to the Hawks and an investigation was conducted, leading to the arrest of the first accused Siboniso Ngomane, aged 31, on April 7.
“He is the suspect who allegedly came back demanding an additional R60,000. He appeared in court on the same day and he was released on R3,000 bail,” Sekgotodi said.
Mthomboti was arrested on Monday at Pienaar Msongwaba over the same case and appeared in the Nelspruit magistrate’s court where he was also granted R3,000 bail.
“The case against the duo was postponed to 26 July 2021 for further investigation,” Sekgotodi said.
The Hawks’ Mpumalanga head Major General Zodwa Mokoena called on community members to avoid falling victim to criminals impersonating police officers, urging them to instead report them to law enforcement.
– African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Stella Mapenzauswa
