Disgraced Micael Sibiya and Teboho Noe, previously attached to the SAPS VIP Protection Unit, will have to pay R30 000 each in monthly instalments, or face three years imprisonment.
Disgraced Micael Sibiya and Teboho Noe, previously attached to the SAPS VIP Protection Unit, will have to pay R30 000 each in monthly instalments, or face three years imprisonment.
They were found guilty by the Upington Regional Court of theft of 60 000 while on duty in the Upington area in March 2014.
Police spokesperson, Tebogo Thebe, said the lengthy trial spanning 10 years was the result of to the pair’s “delaying tactics”.
“It is reported that the members visited the local mall, where they stumbled upon cash to the value of R60 000, instead of making attempts to locate the owner, the duo decided to buy flashlights and hid the money inside the box. “They attempted to send their new found loot to their addresses back in Kimberley through the local courier.
“The local courier employees in Upington became suspicious and opened the package.
“Cash was found and they immediately notified Upington Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks.
“The members were immediately placed under arrest.
“The court found the two police officers guilty in January 2016 after a lengthy trial,” said Thebe.
This week, the court fined them R30 000 each, to be paid in monthly instalments or alternatively three years imprisonment suspended for five years. They were further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Head of the Northern-Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Stephen Mabuela said: “Integrity is non-negotiable for police members, those who are found to miss this important trait have no place in the SAPS.”
Their sentencing comes as another officer, a lieutenant colonel attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad, was suspended following rape allegations.
Police spokesperson Mashay Gamieldien said the alleged incident on August 12 was reported to the police on August 26.
This resulted in the suspension of the senior officer.
Police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, was alerted to investigate and arrest.
“Internal disciplinary processes in terms of SAPS Disciplinary Regulations of 2016 were instituted against the officer, who has since been suspended.”
Northern Cape police commissioner, Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed that no preferential treatment within the ranks of the organisation would be permitted when members were implicated in criminal activities or gross misconduct.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said they were currently collating all technical reports and interviewing witnesses.
“It should also be noted that we will not be able to share more details on this case while the matter is under investigation.”
Cape Times
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