More Limpopo police top brass face arrest in connection with the corruption case that saw three generals appearing in court yesterday, said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Spokesperson Robbie Raburabu told African Times that further arrests were expected after the trio was charged with corruption relating to the appointment of station commanders in 2016.
Former Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Jim Ledwaba ( 62), Major General Nyikeni Jackson Baloyi ( 63), and Major General Hlakodi Christina Morakaladi (58) allegedly colluded to rig the outcomes of the interviews in favour of their preferred candidates.
Ledwaba was a provincial police commissioner between 2016 and 2021.
Raburabu said IPID got involved after an unsuccessful candidate laid charges after being tipped off about what Ledwaba, Baloyi and Morakaldi allegedly did.
“He [the complainant] was notified about what transpired in the interview by someone who was part of the selection panel. Then the case was opened in 2017 but taken over by IPID in 2019.”
“The accused were issued with summonses to appear in court around the second week of June this year; hence they appeared on the 28th. We have similar cases also from Limpopo, we just keep waiting for the announcement of their arrest very soon. That is all I can tell you for now, as I can’t divulge more information,” said Raburabu.
According to a statement released by IPID, Ledwaba, Baloyi, and Morakaladi – who sat on a panel which interviewed candidates – colluded and tampered with the score sheets to unduly favour their preferred candidates.
“The three generals were the members of the selection panel responsible for the interview and recommendation of candidates in relation to the advertised posts of station commanders. They are alleged to have colluded to tamper with the scoresheets, which resulted in a different candidate being appointed thus prejudicing the deserving candidate,” said IPID in a statement.
The cops were released on warning. The case has been postponed for further investigation. Ledwaba, Baloyi, and Morakaladi are expected to appear before the Tshwane Magistrate’s Court on August 03.
Ledwaba and Baloyi have since retired from active duties, while Morakaladi is still serving within the SAPS. Ledwaba retired on April 30 2021. Reacting to his departure at the time, Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha thanked and described Ledwaba as a dedicated senior cop.
Ledwaba was appointed as provincial police boss in 2016 after occupying several posts in the SAPS, including a station commander in Gauteng and a cluster commander in the North West.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo was not immediately available for comment as his phone was off.
