Police officer suspended for supplying inmates with dagga, alcohol on NYE

A 39-year-old police sergeant has been suspended after he allegedly supplied liquor and dagga to inmates at Phalaborwa Police holding cells on New Year’s Eve.

The inmates reportedly became intoxicated after consuming the substances and started assaulting and raping other inmates in the cells.

Six counts of assault with intent cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of rape were opened.

Two suspects aged 23 and 39 were subsequently arrested and charged for rape and assault GBH.

Limpopo police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo says one is in custody for murder and the other for robbery.

“The police holding cells are managed in accordance with existing internal policies and that what happened at Phalaborwa Police Station was an isolated incident which is being internally dealt with to ensure that decisive and appropriate sanction is ultimately meted again the said member.”

The suspects appeared in the regional court on Friday facing charges of six counts of assault GBH and two counts of rape. 

Their cases were postponed to 18 January.

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