Hawks seize R7 000 bribe money after Mpumalanga man tries to buy his brothers' freedom

The R7 000 a Mpumalanga motorist offered police officers to make his brothers’ case disappear has been forfeited to the state, after the Hawks secured an order in the High Court.

The Hawks in Mpumalanga welcomed the forfeiture order this week, saying it should warn anyone who thinks cash can buy an escape from the law that the money itself can be taken away.

The matter began on 20 March 2020, when members of the Piet Retief Crime Prevention Unit were conducting stop-and-search operations. A motorist travelling from the Ermelo direction stopped and asked to speak to the officers.

The man, identified in the statement as Emmanuel Gumede, told them he wanted to discuss the arrest of his brothers, who had been apprehended for possession of dagga. He allegedly asked the officers to return the dagga and make the case docket disappear.

To persuade them, the Hawks say, he offered them R7 000. The officers did not entertain the offer. Gumede was arrested for bribery and the money was seized and booked into the exhibit register.

That money has now been forfeited following a successful application for a forfeiture order.

The Hawks used the case to warn the public against trying to influence police officers, whether to secure the release of an arrested person, destroy or conceal evidence, interfere with investigations, or manipulate the criminal justice process.

Offering gratification to a police officer is not a shortcut to freedom, the directorate said. It is a potential criminal offence that can result in arrest, prosecution and the loss of the money offered.

The Hawks also urged police officers to remain resolute when attempts are made to compromise their integrity, and to report corrupt approaches through the appropriate channels.

The statement does not say what happened to the brothers’ dagga case, or whether Gumede has faced any further court process beyond the forfeiture application. It is a summary of the matter issued by the Hawks rather than the court record itself.

Enquiries can be directed to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi on 071 481 3437.

Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), Hawks issue stern warning: Bribing police will not make criminal cases disappear (https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71715)