Six police officers attached to the Tshamutumbu Police Station appeared in the Musina Magistrate's Court on Monday, 28 November, on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
Fhulufhuwani Calderon Kwinda (55), Ndivhaleni Negota (45), Naledzani Jonathan Mabalana (55), Takalani Eric Nefolovhodwe (45), Midiaifani Tshikovhele (35) and Elisa Nenzhelele (38) were arrested on 25 November this year. While these members were deployed along the border line, they allegedly colluded with illegal cigarette-smuggling syndicates and created a safe passage for them to enter the country illegally.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, these activities reportedly occurred for a prolonged period while the members enriched themselves at the expense of the State's resources.
The arrests have brought a sigh of relief for communities along the border of the Limpopo River. Residents who spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation, said too much crime was taking place along the border area.
"We are not safe here. You report crime to the police, but they never respond. What they do is pass the message and your name on to the crime syndicates, who then victimise you. These police officials are useless, and we have been complaining about them for a long time, with no help forthcoming," he said.
The local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Thiwelimulambo Rammbuda, concurred that crime is rife in the area. "There are many incidents of car thefts, dealings in illegal cigarettes and robberies in our villages, and the police seem to have been captured. As much as we applaud these arrests, we are worried that the Tshamutumbu police are understaffed and this will further deteriorate the [crime] situation," he said.
The case was postponed to 2 December 2022 for the accused to be profiled and for a bail application. The accused were remanded in custody.