KEY POINTS
- Limpopo police sergeant arrested for corruption and releasing a rape suspect.
- An internal investigation led to the arrest after misleading the prosecutor.
- Police commissioner affirms zero-tolerance on corruption within the force.
A 46-year-old police sergeant attached to the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in Limpopo has been arrested after being accused of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
Detective Sergeant Klass Edmond Mulungwa appeared before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on March 20, 2025, after an investigation by the provincial anti-corruption unit.
According to Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the police spokesperson, Mulungwa was arrested after he allegedly released a rape suspect who was supposed to be under observation.
This suspect was arrested in connection with a Schedule Six offence—rape of a minor—and should have undergone a mental health evaluation before being released.
However, Mulungwa failed to escort the individual for the evaluation, and the suspect was freed without the necessary bail application.
The court granted Mulungwa R1,000 bail, and his case was postponed to April 25, 2025.
The incident has sparked public outrage, especially as the case highlights potential misconduct within the police force.
Internal investigation leads to arrest after misleading prosecutor
An internal investigation found that Mulungwa misled the prosecutor handling the case. He falsely suggested that there were no objections to the suspect’s bail.
Moreover, this deception led to the unlawful release of the suspect. The director of public prosecutions then issued an arrest warrant for Mulungwa.
According to IOL, the arrest took place on March 18. Mulungwa was detained at Ritavi Police Station before his court appearance.
He faces charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice. These charges stem from his role in the improper handling of the rape suspect’s case.
Limpopo police commissioner stresses zero-tolerance on corruption
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, welcomed the arrest. Hadebe reaffirmed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“This case reminds us that we will not tolerate any form of corruption or misconduct within the police force,” Hadebe stated.
“Officers who abuse their powers will face the full might of the law.”
Mulungwa’s arrest adds to a string of high-profile cases in Limpopo. This includes the recent arrest of a police officer caught in possession of nyaope (a drug) and a suspected stolen vehicle.
The provincial authorities have ramped up efforts to combat corruption and misconduct within the police force.
