KEY POINTS
A police sergeant in Stilfontein Krieneels Licho Senyato is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly engaging in an illegal gold transaction with a detained miner.
The officer, identified as 51-year-old Senyato, is accused of corruption, defeating the ends of justice, and dealing in gold.
Senyato, who was attached to the Stilfontein Visible Policing unit, appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where he was granted bail of R1,000.
He is scheduled to return to court on April 4 as investigations into the case continue.
Cash Discovered in Inmate’s Possession Sparks Investigation
The case against Senyato unfolded after members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit received a tip-off from the Potchefstroom Correctional Centre on January 17. Officials at the facility reported finding cash in possession of an inmate who had been transported there by officers from the Stilfontein police station.
Further investigations revealed that the inmate had surfaced from Buffelsfontein Shaft no. 11 on January 13, allegedly after engaging in illegal mining. Police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh provided details on the illicit transaction, explaining that Senyato allegedly facilitated the sale of illegally mined gold on behalf of the detainee.
“The member allegedly offered to assist the inmate to sell the gold and buy him clothes and groceries,” said Myburgh.
Authorities believe that after making the necessary purchases, Senyato returned the remaining proceeds of the gold sale to the illegal miner. The money found in the inmate’s possession at the correctional facility was later linked to this transaction, strengthening the case against the officer.
Upon his arrest and detention at Stilfontein police station, the inmate reportedly declared a gold amalgam to Sergeant Senyato, further implicating the officer in the alleged crime.
Following the revelations, Acting Police Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng strongly condemned the officer’s actions, emphasizing that corruption will not be tolerated within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“There is no space for corrupt police officers in the South African Police Service. Corruption and criminality within the police will be rooted out,” stated Asaneng.
Authorities have also confirmed that internal disciplinary investigations are underway to determine additional measures that may be taken against Senyato. His arrest is part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining activities and corruption within the police force.
Senyato’s case has once again raised concerns over the involvement of law enforcement officers in organized crime, particularly within South Africa’s illicit gold trade. With the case set to return to court in April, investigators are expected to present further evidence on how the officer allegedly used his position to facilitate illegal dealings.
