Latest news with #LetlhogonoloAndrewMolatlhegi
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
Hawks officials accused of theft at Dragon City released
The Hawks officers allegedly confiscated a substantial sum of money and forced the business to close. Six individuals, including three officers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), attached to the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, have been released on R3 000 bail each following their arrest on charges stemming from an alleged theft during a police operation at Dragon City. The Johannesburg Magistrate's Court recently granted bail to the accused after determining their release was in the interest of justice. The case involves three members of the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Gauteng, one officer from the Gauteng Highway Patrol, and two civilians who were allegedly working as accomplices in the corruption scheme. Those facing charges are Captain Letlhogonolo Andrew Molatlhegi, 59, Warrant Officer Mabutho Masina, 46, Constable Mpho Irvyn Netshivhera, 30, Constable Nhlamulo Matsilela, 30, Simon Mapusi Rakuba, 47, and Lebogang Tseto, 41. ALSO READ: Four police officers in court after most of R900k seized during raid goes missing Hawks Dragon City operation gone wrong The corruption allegations stem from a police operation conducted at Dragon City, where officers allegedly abused their authority for personal gain. Phindi Mjonondwane, National Prosecuting Authority regional Spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, explained that 'the arrests were executed by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation team following a complaint lodged by a shop owner at Dragon City'. According to the allegations, during what was supposed to be a legitimate police operation, the officers confiscated a substantial sum of money. Mjonondwane added that the officials allegedly forced the business to close and detained several employees. The shop owner, who was not present during the raid, later discovered what had transpired and reported the matter to authorities. ALSO READ: Former Sassa employee jailed for corruption after bribe sting Investigation into Hawks officials and arrest The complaint triggered an investigation that led investigators to trace the accused officers to Newtown, Johannesburg. According to Mjonondwane, this was the location where the accused were allegedly discovered in possession of a large amount of unregistered cash. The two civilian suspects were arrested alongside the law enforcement officials, suggesting a coordinated effort to steal the confiscated funds. Bail proceedings During the bail hearing, the court heard details about the accused's cooperation with authorities. Mjonondwane noted that 'during the bail proceedings, the investigating officer read out the affidavit and confirmed that none of the accused had pending cases and that they had fully cooperated during their arrests'. The magistrate's decision to grant bail was influenced by several factors, including the accused's clean criminal records and their cooperation throughout the arrest process. The court determined that their release would serve the interest of justice while the investigation continues. Mjonondwane confirmed that the matter was postponed to 29 August 2025 pending further investigation. READ NEXT: Police officer accused of corruption set to appear in court
IOL News
04-07-2025
- IOL News
Four police officers and traffic cop nabbed over R900,000 theft in Joburg raid
Four police officials and a traffic officer have been arrested in Johannesburg in connection with the alleged theft of nearly R900,000 during a police operation at a shop in the city. The arrests, carried out on Thursday, July 3, were executed by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) team. Those detained include Captain Letlhogonolo Andrew Molatlhegi, 59, Warrant Officer Mabutho Masina, 46, Constable Mpho Irvyn Netshivhera, 30, Constable Nhlamulo Matsilela, 30, as well as Simon Mapusi Rakuba, 47, and Lebogang Tseto, 41, both civilians. Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said the incident dates back to June 30, when a shop owner received a call from an employee reporting that police officers were on the premises.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- The Citizen
Four police officers in court after most of R900k seized during raid goes missing
Cops allegedly pocketed cash from a foreign exchange raid, booking only part of R900k seized. They've now appeared in court. Four police officers and two civilians were arrested and appeared in court after hundreds of thousands of rands were allegedly stolen during a raid, with only a small portion of the money booked as evidence. Captain Letlhogonolo Andrew Molatlhegi (59), Warrant Officer Mabutho Masina (46), Constable Mpho Irvyn Netshivhera (30), Constable Nhlamulo Matsilela (30), Simon Mapusi Rakuba (47) and Lebogang Tseto (41) appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The police officers, attached to the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Gauteng and Gauteng provincial Saps, and civilians were arrested on Monday. Police officers arrested over missing R900k They are facing charges of theft, possession of suspected stolen money, extortion, and corruption. Police arrested the suspects following a raid on a Johannesburg shop on the afternoon of 30 June 2025. The shop owner received a call from one of his employees, who informed him that police officers were at his shop. The shop owner allegedly instructed his employee to ask the police to wait until he could arrive at the shop. However, the phone call between the shop owner and his employee was suddenly disconnected. ALSO READ: Ten more SANDF members arrested in Hawks officer murder case By the time the shop owner arrived, officers had already closed the store. After that, he went to the Johannesburg Central Police Station and was told that his staff had been taken into custody for violating Section 9 of the Currency Act, Act 9 of 1933. Police also arrested the employee he had been speaking to, accusing him of interfering with their duties. Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said the police officers and two civilians were arrested because the shop owner reported to the Hawks that the officers took R900 000 from his shop during the raid. Only $60k and R130k booked in a evidence 'Upon following up on the information, the Hawks discovered that only $60 000 and R130 000 was booked into the Saps register as the amount recovered by the police instead of booking the amount of R900 000,' Mbambo said. 'It is further alleged that the suspect who was at the shop to exchange the money also tried to entice the police officials with R60 000.' Mbambo confirmed that the R60 000 used to try bribe the police officers was also booked at the Saps register. ALSO READ: Gauteng police station commander arrested for alleged fraud and theft Following up on the information, the Hawks went to Newtown and found the police officers in multiple vehicles. 'The Hawks searched the vehicles, and upon searching, one of the vehicles was found with a substantial amount of cash. As a result, the four police officials and two civilians were arrested on the scene,' Mbambo said. Case postponed The court postponed the case against Captain Molatlhegi, Warrant Officer Masina, Constable Netshivhera, Constable Matsilela, along with Rakuba and Tseto, to 4 July 2025 for further investigation. The accused were remanded in custody. Meanwhile, six other suspects charged with contravening Section 9 of the Currency Act will also appear in court, although prosecutors have since withdrawn those charges. The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi, said the Hawks remain committed to fighting corruption, even within the ranks of law enforcement. 'No one is above the law. The arrest of these officers is a clear demonstration that we will act decisively and without fear or favour to protect the integrity of the criminal justice system and restore public trust in the Saps,' Nkosi said. NOW READ: Counterfeit Gucci and Louis Vuitton: Another massive confiscation in Durban
