A Free State defence attorney will be appearing in the Hennenman Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of corruption and obstructing the course of justice.
The 54-year-old man was arrested by members of the SAPS’ Provincial Organised Crime Investigations, together with the Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Technical Support Unit of Crime Intelligence in Ventersburg during an entrapment operation.
The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane, said the arrests emanate from a case the defence attorney was currently handling.
“The suspect is the attorney representing three accused persons implicated in the theft of over R2 million worth of agricultural seed from farms in the Bothaville, Viljoenskroon, and Ventersburg farming communities,” Mpakane said.
According to police, the investigating officer in the theft matter was allegedly supposed to receive monetary gratification in order to allow the suspects before the court be released without bail being opposed.
“The team pounced on the suspect immediately after the anticipated handover of the bribery money from the attorney to the investigating officer. The accused persons represented by the suspect were scheduled to appear in the Ventersburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, February 12, on three charges of burglary at business premises and possession of suspected stolen property,” Mpakane said.
A case docket of corruption and obstructing the course of justice was opened at Ventersburg police station.
“The suspect will appear in the Hennenman Magistrate’s Court soon,” Mpakane said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL
