Four warrants of arrest for corruption, extortion, and defeating the ends of justice have been issued against a former police officer.
Const. Khabo James Lephatsoe (32) did not turn up for trial in various cases where he is implicated, says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police.
“It is alleged that on 11 January 2018, the suspect and his co-accused approached a complainant to arrest her for possession of gold dust balls in Welkom. Instead, she was extorted out of R300 000, which was transferred from her bank account to the bank account given by the suspects,” says Thakeng.
On 9 June 2021, he approached the complainant and promised to assist her husband in being released after he was arrested in Welkom for illegal immigration. He demanded R10 000 for the release of the husband, which was allegedly paid.
On 17 February 2019, he lent a police vehicle to a civilian friend, who was driving alone in Meloding when he crashed into another vehicle. When Lephatsoe was called to the accident scene, he pretended as if he was the driver of the state vehicle. Lephatsoe’s friend pleaded guilty and Lephatsoe was charged with defeating the ends of justice.
On 12 May 2021, he was still attached to the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, investigating a case of sexual assault that occurred at Wesselsbron.
He allegedly offered the prosecutor involved in the case a share of R5 000 he received from the family of the suspect so that the prosecutor could get rid of the docket. He is facing charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice in this matter.
The dismissed constable never attended the trials of any of these cases, and four warrants of arrest were issued.
Should anyone know his whereabouts, they are requested to contact Sgt. Vusimuzi Ngomane of the Provincial Anti-Corruption unit on 071 683 8477. Alternatively, they can call the Crime Stop number, 08600-10111, or send an anonymous tip-off on the SAPS App.
