Two Limpopo police officers have been sentenced to five years' imprisonment after the Mokopane Regional Court found them guilty of corruption.
Warrant Officer Richard Matsobane Molokome, 54, and Constable Karabo Archibald Sepato, 40, were sentenced on Monday after the court found they solicited a bribe.
"On 12 December 2017, Molokome and Sepato, who were stationed at Tuinplaas police station, were performing crime prevention duties when they noticed a suspicious vehicle and it was stopped. Upon searching the vehicle, some defects were discovered. Instead of issuing summons or impounding the vehicle, the two police officers demanded a R1 000 gratification," Hawks spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke said.
The victim paid the demanded amount of money for the release of his vehicle and the matter was reported to the Hawks.
The two police officers were immediately arrested and were convicted on 3 March 2021.
Molokome and Sepato were sentenced to five years' direct imprisonment with no option of a fine. They were also declared unfit to possess a firearm, Maluleke said.