Mpuma cops in court over alleged bribe

"It is alleged that the two members solicited a bribe from an apparent drunk driver involved in an accident," Colonel Leonard Hlathi said.

 

On Saturday, police constables Thulani Mathe, 35, and Walter Nxumayo, 32, were in the parking lot of a shopping centre in Nelspruit when they allegedly demanded R1000.

 

"Mathe and Nxumayo apparently told the young man that he will not be taken for blood tests if he gave them the money," Hlathi said.

 

The driver paid R400, and in exchange the policemen allegedly let him go home.

 

The White River K9 Unit received a tip off about the alleged corruption and Mathe and Nxumayo's car was stopped and then escorted to Nelspruit police station.

 

Mathe and Nxumayo were questioned and searched, but the R400 was not found.

 

A police captain intervened and decided to arrest the constables, following a preliminary investigation.

 

Mathe allegedly assaulted the captain, and so faces a charge of assault in addition to the corruption charge he and Nxumayo face.

 

The men would apply for bail on Tuesday.

 

(File photo: Gallo images)