Free State Police Officer Arrested For Drug Possession

Two separate incidents involving police officers in South Africa have raised concerns about corruption within law enforcement.

Officer Arrested for Drug Possession

A 41-year-old sergeant from the anti-gang unit in the Free State was re-arrested this week, alongside a female accomplice, for possession of mandrax tablets.

On 11 May 2023, the Hawks executed a search warrant at his residence in Hennenman, where 14 mandrax tablets were discovered. The suspects were initially released pending a forensic report.

“Justice sometimes seems slow, but no one will be spared,” said Brigadier Sophie Hange, Acting Head of the Hawks in the Free State. Both suspects are due to appear in the Hennenman Magistrate’s Court on 15 January 2025.

Police Officer Accused of Cattle Theft

In a separate case, Sergeant Andile Matantala, a member of the stock theft unit in Alice, appeared in the Queenstown Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud and theft.

The charges stem from a 2021 incident where Matantala allegedly confiscated four cows under false pretences. Despite the owner providing proof of purchase, the livestock was seized, never returned, and later handed over to Matantala’s acquaintance.

Hawks investigations revealed the cattle were initially booked into a municipal pound but were illegally released the following day. Matantala was arrested on 18 December 2024.

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