News24 | Senior Hawks officer allegedly promises cop favours to influence probe into councillor

A senior Hawks officer was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to bribe a police officer to influence a criminal investigation into a Limpopo councillor. (Felix Dlangamandla/Gallo Images)

A senior Hawks officer was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to bribe a police officer to influence a criminal investigation into a Limpopo councillor.

"The incident occurred on 14 January 2022 when the Hawks officer approached the cop and requested assistance in helping the councillor.

"The complainant [cop], who was the investigating officer on the case, was promised tenders and future favours in exchange for his assistance. The senior officer further allegedly offered to use his connections at the police's head office to secure a promotion for the complainant if he supported him," Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said.

The senior officer, Brigadier Mapome Mohajane, 54, appeared in the Bela Bela Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, and was granted R10 000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on 26 March.

"The Hawks remain committed to upholding the law and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability. No one, regardless of their position or rank within the directorate, will be allowed to undermine our core values or the trust the public places in us," he said.

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National Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said corruption in any form would not be tolerated.

"No matter the seniority or position of the individual involved. The Hawks will continue to fight crime with the utmost integrity and professionalism, ensuring that those who breach our ethical standards are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."