2010-10-20 21:16

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Missing-money-cops-face-suspension-20101020

Polokwane -  Five members of the police who were arrested in connection with R525 000 that went missing from the Polokwane police station in Limpopo have been granted bail.

They appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Wednesday on charges of theft, corruption, money laundering and fraud.

“They were asked to inform the investigating officer if they leave to leave Polokwane,” said Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mohale Ramatseba.

He added that they would be served with notices of intention to suspend them.

"They will be automatically suspended, after which they will have to contest it and furnish reasons why they should not be suspended," said Ramatseba. 

Bail for Lieutenant-Colonel Caroline Mokatse, 44, commander of the Tactical Response Team in Limpopo, was set at R10 000.

Her colleagues in Limpopo, Constable Rabby Segoa, 30, Captain Moses Lefember, 37, and Constable Avhapfani Siaga, 29, were granted bail of between R1 500 and R5 000, while Warrant Officer George Setsiba, 51, of the Hillbrow police was granted bail of R3 000.

“The court withdrew charges against Charles Lephalale, who was thought to have received money from his brother, Rabby Segoa, but we couldn't link him to the crime,” Ramatseba said.

Previously, charges against Segoa's other brother, 58-year-old teacher Lazarus, were dropped after he turned state witness. 

The suspects have not yet been asked to plead to the charges and their case was postponed until January 26.