NOORDWESTER – KOSTER - The Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) arrested Constable Desmond Sipho Chauke (35), working at Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), on Thursday, 14 November, for corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
It is alleged that farmers in the Koster area arrested five suspects for poaching on Sunday, 25 August, and handed them over to the police for detention.
Chauke, who was on standby, interviewed the accused and indicated to them that they must pay R1 000 each. According to information, one of the five accused accompanied Chauke to a Supermarket in town where R3 000 was withdrawn and given to the police officer. Furthermore, Chauke released one of the suspects who was illegally in the country without informing Home Affairs. The other four accused paid a further fine of R300 each and were then released.
Chauke appeared before the Koster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 15 November, and was released on R1 000 bail. He is expected to reappeared before the same court on Monday, 2 December.
