A Phalaborwa Police Station Sergeant who was suspended for allegedly supplying liquor and marijuana (dagga) to detainees in the police holding cells in Phalaborwa on New Year’s Eve, returned to work this week.
According to the SAPS Limpopo spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, the policeman appeared in departmental hearing, and the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence and no criminal case was opened against the member.
“The allegations that he provided alcohol to the inmates could not be corroborated by anyone or proved and therefor they were found to be baseless,” stated Mojapelo.
It was alleged that after the policeman gave the detainees the substances, they became intoxicated and started assaulting and raping the other inmates in the cells. The police said that six counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and two counts of rape were opened.
Mojapelo stated that two suspects, Thapelo Malatji (34) and Jeffrey Maphosa (38), one in custody for murder, and the other for robbery, were arrested and charged for rape and assault GBH, appeared in court and their case was postponed to the 4th of April.
