Guilty cops 'never did time'

2003-06-18 13:34

Mafikeng - The North West province is investigating a case of corruption after two policeman, who were given jail terms of eight years for the murder of a young boy, failed to serve their sentences.

Former Sergeant J Mokgatlhe and former Constable C Molete killed Daniel Letsie, from Bodibe Village in the former Bophuthatswana in 1992 and were convicted for the crime in 1994.

However, the two were only incarcerated for the first time on Sunday after the boy's family brought the matter to the attention of the North West Department of Safety and Liaison.

Departmental head Paul Mogotlhe said on Wednesday "it is not clear at this stage what really transpired".

He said the two were initially sentenced to 10 years in prison by Mafikeng regional court in 1994, but appealed their conviction in Bophuthatswana High Court in 1997. Although the appeal was dismissed their sentences were reduced to an effective eight years imprisonment.

"These members were never arrested to serve their sentence," Mogotlhe said.

The department would "vigorously pursue" the matter and would ensure that those who acted unlawfully would be "dealt with severely".

- SAPA