LERIBE –– A police officer accused of soliciting a bribe was sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of M10 000 after the Leribe Magistrate’s Court found him guilty as charged.
The officer, Trooper Thabo Shale, 30, was working in the Child and Gender Protection Unit in Leribe.
According to evidence presented in court, Shale demanded money from a 19-year-old woman to avoid pressing sexual offence charges against her lover, aged over 60, who stayed together with her in Maputsoe.
He duped the complainant into believing that it was illegal for a 60-year-old man to stay with a 19-year-old as his lover, and if the case was to go to court, they would be fined M17 000.
He made a deal with the complainant and her lover, Leon Vanvuurn –– a South African national. The couple agreed to pay him M15 000.
Shale, who was initially charged together with his colleague, Trooper Maruping Nkoloko, allegedly received the amount of M5 000 between October 17 and 23 last year with the understanding that the rest would be paid later.
The court however dismissed Nkoloko’s case in April due to lack of evidence. –– Lena.
