Two police sergeants arrested for extortion in a sexual assault case are set to reappear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 8 July after a brief appearance on 8 June.
Tsietsi Antonio Makhetha and Nombi Anny Peter face charges of corruption, extortion, theft and defeating the ends of justice.
They are attached to the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit (FCS) in Bloemfontein.
The case of sexual assault in question, reported in March this year, was being investigated by this unit.
The officers’ arrest came after the alleged perpetrator had blown the whistle.
“The duo allegedly forced the female victim to extort cash from a 38-year-old male suspect, with promises that the matter against him would be dropped,” said Brig. Motantsi Makhele, Free State police spokesperson.
Apparently these officers took the money for themselves after the suspect had handed the money over to the victim.
“The suspect approached the anti-corruption unit when demands for more money were made. An entrapment operation was set up, resulting in their arrest,” said Makhele.
Makhetha and Peter were granted bail of R1 000 each during their first court appearance.
The investigation into the matter continues.
