Two former police officials were sentenced to nine years imprisonment in Cape Town at the Bellville Serious Commercial Crimes Court.
Also read: Further delay in the case of slain teen, Jehaan Petersen
Sergeant Morne Fasser (41), and Warrant Officer Jonathan Plaatjes (54) were arrested by the Hawks in August 2014 and convicted on charges of extortion, corruption and defeating the administration of justice.
The duo sold a police docket for R40 000 and has since been let go from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Warrant Officer and provincial spokesperson for the Hawks Zinzi Hanim said, ‘The sentencing comes after their arrest in August 2014 by the Hawks’ Bellville Serious Corruption Investigation team after reacting to information received that the two members sold a case docket to an accused for R40 000.’
‘They were dismissed from the SAPS through an expeditious process,’ Hani concluded.
Fasser and Plaatjes were also caught with entrapment money on top of the numerous other illegal activities they found themselves in and was convicted on 26 October 2023.
The duo was each sentenced to nine years imprisonment for corruption, six years imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice, and eight years for extortion. These sentences will run concurrently and both Fasser and Plaatjes will serve nine years in prison.
Major General Mathipa Makgato, head of the Hawks in the Western Cape said, ‘We commend the judiciary and thorough investigation conducted by the dedicated team to remove those who are criminals hiding behind our dignified badge.’
‘The sentence is a clear-cut message that corruption does not pay and that police management will never tolerate any act of corruption within our ranks,’ Makgato concluded.
Also read:
Macassar residents oppose railway relocation with 4000 signatures
Picture: Kindel Media / Pexels