A former police sergeant and his co-accused appeared in the Lebowakgomo Magistrate's Court where they face charges of corruption and burglary. Picture: SAPS
The fight against corruption within South Africa's police force intensified this week as three former officers faced serious charges in Lebowakgomo Magistrate's Court after allegedly extorting money from civilians and robbed a foreign-owned shop in Limpopo.
The court appearance follows the arrests of Andries Mafalo, 52, and Steve Segoale, 40, on Friday, October 25 , and Calvin Mphahlele, 42, on Sunday, October 27.
These arrests are part of a broader investigation led by the Anti-Corruption Unit in Limpopo, which has linked the three men to a range of illegal activities while they were serving in the police force.
During the hearing, Sergeant Mafalo and Constable Segoale were granted bail of R3,000 each on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
In a separate matter, Mafalo and Mphahlele were remanded in custody until Tuesday, November 29, for a bail application related to their involvement in a burglary case.
“Sergeant Mafalo was dismissed from the Police Service after being implicated in incidents where he and the two officers allegedly extorted cash from an individual accused of possessing dagga,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
The recently disclosed charges involve a burglary incident from May 2023, where it is alleged that the duo unlawfully entered a shop owned by a foreign national and stole cash and cigarettes without documenting the evidence or formally opening a case.
“Police investigations are ongoing,” said Ledwaba.
IOL