DURBAN: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended the police force for its diligence in arresting those involved in illegal activities, even within its own ranks. This follows the arrest of Sergeant Ntokozo Mngqithi by the Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, known as the Hawks, on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
According to South African Government News Agency, Sergeant Mngqithi, who was already in custody for the murder of his fiancée, Sergeant Ntombi Mbanjwa, faces new charges of corruption related to a case he was investigating in November 2022. Mngqithi is accused of demanding a R60,000 bribe from a truck driver involved in a fatal collision that resulted in seven deaths, with the aim of suppressing the case docket.
Despite instructions for certain evidence to be presented, Mngqithi allegedly failed to submit it and misled the court, leading to the provisional withdrawal of the case. The docket was later reassigned, and his misconduct was uncove
red. Investigations revealed that Mngqithi received over R30,000 in his bank account related to the case.
Premier Ntuli highlighted the arrest as evidence of the commitment to uphold the law in KwaZulu-Natal, asserting that lawlessness is unacceptable even within the police service. He praised the efforts of the Tactical Response Team and the police force in the Umzinyathi District for their recent arrests related to illegal firearms and ammunition.
Ntuli expressed satisfaction with the leadership of KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, urging the public to support law enforcement by reporting corrupt activities within the community and police ranks.
Mngqithi has appeared briefly in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court and remains in custody. His case is scheduled for a bail application on December 19, 2024.