UPDATE:
Constable Cheslyn Heckrath was released on R2 000 bail on Wednesday.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, the case in the Bellvill Magistrate’s Court was postponed to 30 January 2024.
The provincial anti-corruption unit has arrested a police constable in Cape Town for defeating the ends of justice on Monday, 20 November 2023.
The 26-year-old police officer is attached to Belhar SAPS.
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Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said thorough investigation found that the constable assisted a suspect, who had been arrested on Friday, 27 November, on a charge of fraud, in escaping from custody in exchange for a fee.
‘While in detention, [the suspect] was approached by the SAPS member who requested him to pay an amount of R1 000 in exchange to be assisted to escape,’ said Swartbooi. ‘The suspect made arrangements and received the cash via e-wallet.’
Swartbooi said the suspect was re-apprehended in the early hours of Saturday, 18 November, when he blew the whistle on corruption after escaping during the night.
The constable is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court today on a charge of corruption as well as aiding and abetting in escape from lawful custody.
Subsequently, provincial commissioner of the Western Cape Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile issued a stern warning to all SAPS employees to refrain from corruption and criminality.
Patekile also encouraged the public to report incidents of corruption to aid their effort to rid the SAPS of those who tarnish the reputation of hardworking police officers.
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