- Police Sergeant Xolani Sibiya allegedly solicited a R1 000 bribe from a theft suspect in exchange for manipulating court proceedings.
- The suspect reported the demand to the Hawks, leading to a rapid sting operation and Sibiya’s arrest at his workplace.
- Sibiya is in custody awaiting a bail hearing, as authorities vow to root out corruption within law enforcement.
A routine theft investigation in White River has dramatically escalated into a high-profile corruption case, thanks to the courage of a suspect who refused to be victimised. The incident, which unfolded in late September, has cast a harsh spotlight on the integrity of those sworn to uphold the law.
The suspect, arrested on 26 September 2025 for theft and released on warning, was due to appear in court on October 1. When the case failed to make the court roll, Sergeant Xolani Sibiya allegedly seized the moment for personal gain. According to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, Sibiya approached the suspect and promised to have the matter withdrawn in exchange for R1 000.
Unable to pay immediately, the suspect agreed to deliver the money on October 2, but instead reported the attempted bribery to the Hawks. Their swift response set up a sting operation that led to Sibiya’s arrest at his workplace.
Sibiya appeared briefly in the White River Magistrate’s Court on October 2 and was remanded in custody pending a formal bail hearing scheduled for October 3.
Major General Nico Gerber, provincial head of the Hawks, condemned the alleged misconduct: “We expect our police officers to serve and protect the public, not engage in corruption.” He assured the public that the investigation would be rigorous and impartial, with justice pursued irrespective of rank.
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