A growing number of cases involving police officers accused and convicted of serious crimes is raising alarm about accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS), with two recent incidents highlighting what critics describe as a troubling breach of public trust.

In one case, a Gauteng police officer tasked with combating stock theft has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for orchestrating the very crime he was meant to prevent. In another case, two Free State officers stand accused of murder and assault following the death of a man allegedly in their custody.

The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that Rhulani Herbert Maringa (44), a constable attached to the Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, was sentenced by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’ Court to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for stock theft valued at R80 000. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

According to court findings, Maringa instructed two accomplices to steal cattle from Zonderwater Correctional Services in Cullinan on 17 April 2019. The stolen livestock was later sold to a local farmer, but the operation began to unravel after a tip-off led authorities to the suspects.

The two men were arrested when they returned to collect payment and later turned state witnesses, implicating Maringa as the mastermind behind the crime. They further guided investigators to a farm where the cattle were taken, which included an abattoir and butchery facility.

Despite pleading not guilty, Maringa was convicted after Regional Court Prosecutor Advocate Patsy Jacobs presented evidence that proved his involvement beyond reasonable doubt.

During sentencing proceedings, Maringa’s legal team argued for leniency, stating that no financial loss was ultimately suffered because the cattle were recovered and returned to the Department of Correctional Services. However, the State rejected this argument, stressing that Maringa’s role as a police officer aggravated the offence.

The magistrate agreed, noting that officers are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards. The court emphasised that abusing a position of authority not only undermines the justice system but also erodes public confidence in law enforcement.

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana welcomed the sentence, commending investigators for uncovering what she described as a “highly organised and premeditated offence” involving a police official.

Meanwhile, in a separate case unfolding in the Free State, two police officers are facing serious charges after the death of 38-year-old Nxamile Edward Funqu.

Constables Tiisetso Makhele (37) and Johannes Baardman (33) appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, where their case was postponed to 2 April 2026 for a formal bail application.

The charges stem from an incident on the night of 21 March, when police responded to a reported cellphone robbery in Bainsvlei. According to allegations, the officers encountered Funqu and two companions walking near a church and accused them of possessing the stolen phone.

The three men reportedly denied any involvement, but were taken to a police station and allegedly assaulted. It is further alleged that officers later returned them to the scene, continued the assault, and then transported them back to the station.

Upon arrival, Funqu was found unresponsive in the back of the police vehicle. Authorities allege that instead of seeking medical assistance, the officers drove off with his body. His remains were later discovered in nearby veld by a passerby two days later.

The two surviving men are expected to be key witnesses in the case.

The incidents have sparked renewed debate about police conduct and oversight, particularly in cases where officers are accused of abusing their authority. Civil society organisations have long warned that such cases, while not representative of the entire police force, significantly damage the credibility of law enforcement institutions.

Experts argue that when those entrusted with enforcing the law become perpetrators, it creates a climate of fear and distrust among communities. This, in turn, undermines efforts to combat crime, as public cooperation with police becomes strained.

While authorities maintain that internal accountability mechanisms are in place, critics say more needs to be done to ensure swift and transparent action against rogue officers.

As both cases continue to draw public attention, they serve as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity within the police service — and the consequences when that trust is broken.