A 28-year-old suspect, Lutendo Makgoka, who works as an intern at the Department of Transport in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 3 April, on charges of corruption.
His appearance followed his arrest in Thohoyandou on 2 April by the Limpopo Anti-Corruption Unit. The case has been postponed to 17 April for a formal bail application.
The spokesperson for the police in Limpopo, Brig Hlulani Mashaba, said the arrest had stemmed from a complaint received on 1 April, alleging that an individual was soliciting money to secure jobs. It is alleged that the conman promised the victims employment as traffic officers in exchange for a fee of R6,500.
"The matter was immediately reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, and an inquiry docket was registered. Following further investigation, a sting operation was conducted in the Thohoyandou policing area. During the operation, the suspect arrived at the designated location, met with the victims, and requested payment. Upon receiving the money, the police moved in and arrested him. An amount of R2,000 was recovered from his possession at the time of the arrest," said Brig Mashaba.
Mashaba added that the anti-corruption unit, in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Musina, was continuing the investigation. Additional charges may be brought against the suspect as the investigation progresses.