Polokwane – A 44-year-old police sergeant accused of helping to unlawfully free a detained female foreign national before she could be deported has been summoned to appear in court.
Allegations are that the sergeant, stationed at Northam Police Station in Limpopo, was working as a court orderly when the alleged escape from lawful custody incident occurred on 30 October 2023.
The matter came to light when prisoners returned to Northam Police Station from court.
During a routine inspection, two relief commanders discovered that a female inmate who was supposed to be deported had not been booked back to the cells.
Apparently, when questioned, the sergeant indicated that he was on his way to the police station, but failed to report for duty the following day.
The foreign national female inmate was later traced and re-arrested during 2023.
Allegations surfaced that a substantial amount of cash had been paid to a court orderly for her unlawful release.
The matter was referred to the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the case docket was submitted to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision.
Following the prosecution directive, the sergeant was served with summons yesterday, Friday, 3 July 2026.
He faces charges of corruption and aiding and abetting and will make his first court appearance at the Northam Magistrate’s Court on 31 July 2026.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major-General Jan Scheepers, said: “This arrest sends a clear message that any member who undermines the rule of law and integrity of the service will face the full might of the law.
“I commend the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for a thorough investigation that led to these charges.”
The sergeant has been ordered to appear in the Northam Magistrate’s Court on 31 July 2026 on charges of corruption and aiding and abetting.
