Lentswe, Klerksdorp - A 38-year-old man was arrested for corruption after he allegedly tried to bribe a police officer.
Essop Jamal Ali appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday March 18. He was arrested last week following a police bust on a warehouse where illicit cigarettes were allegedly hidden.
Lt Col Tinyiko Mathebula, police spokesperson, said when the police arrived they found six suspects inside the warehouse who were illegal immigrants.
“On Friday March 15, the investigating officer was allegedly contacted by a man who offered to pay him R15 000 to secure the release of the six arrested illegal immigrants.
“An entrapment was set, leading to the arrest of the suspect after he had allegedly paid the investigating officer R4 000.’’
Ali was granted R5 000 bail. The case was postponed to April 15 for further investigation.
The North West Provincial Head of Hawks, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has commended the members’ actions for maintaining integrity by ensuring that the suspect is brought to book.
