Klerksdorp Midweek, Stilfontein - A local police sergeant was granted R1 000 bail in the Stilfontein Magistrates Court last week on charges of corruption, defeating the ends of justice and dealing in gold. The case was postponed until April 4. Krieneels Licho Senyato (51) is attached to Stilfontein Visible Policing. His arrest follows a call received by Provincial Anti-Gang Unit members from Potchefstroom Correctional Centre in January, informing them about cash found in possession of an inmate, who was conveyed to the facility by Stilfontein police station members.
“Subsequent investigations revealed that the inmate resurfaced from Buffelsfontein shaft no 11, but the gold amalgam he had in his possession could not be detected.
“He was then charged for illegal mining and detained at Stilfontein police station where he declared the gold amalgam to the sergeant.
“The member allegedly offered to assist the inmate to sell the gold and buy him clothes and groceries.
“After the purchases, Senyato allegedly handed the remaining cash, which is believed to be the proceeds of dealing in gold, to the illegal miner,” said Col Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson.
Investigations into the matter, including disciplinary investigation in terms of the organisational Discipline Regulations. are underway.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, expressed his disappointment about the member’s alleged conduct.
He reiterated that there is no space for corrupt police officers in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and cautioned that corruption and criminality within the police will be rooted out.
