Cops Arrested for Dagga Extortion Scheme
The Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Corruption Investigation unit has successfully secured the court appearance of two police officers implicated in a string of serious crimes committed within a span of two days.
Sergeant Ntsizwa Mthimunye (47) and Constable Malefane Mofokeng (38) allegedly abused their authority while on duty. On 9 October 2023, at approximately 04:20, the officers stopped and searched a truck on the N17 road near Leslie (Leandra), where they reportedly discovered four bags of dagga.
Investigations reveal that the officers assaulted the truck driver and demanded a R5,000 bribe for his release. When the driver's banking app delayed opening, they instructed him to contact his employer to obtain the funds. The employer deposited the money, and the driver managed to withdraw R4,050, which was handed over to the officers. The dagga was seized but not booked officially.
The following day, 10 October, the driver returned to the police station hoping to retrieve R1,000 to cover his personal expenses. Upon arrival, he encountered the same officers, who allegedly assaulted, handcuffed, and abducted him. He was taken to a secluded area along the N17, guarded by one officer while the other drove off in a police vehicle. When the vehicle returned, it contained two of the four previously seized dagga bags.
The officers then arrested the driver for possession of dagga.
Following this, the Leslie police were alerted to the incident, and the Hawks were brought in. A formal case was opened, and an intensive investigation followed. A warrant was served on both officers on 16 April 2025, and they made their first court appearance on 12 May 2025 before the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
The duo face multiple charges, including corruption, assault, theft, kidnapping, extortion, and defeating the ends of justice. The case has been postponed to 27 July 2025. The accused were warned to appear in person at their next hearing.
Major General Nico Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, reaffirmed the unit's commitment:
“We will continue to root out corruption both inside and outside our ranks.”
