An illegal attempt to release Zimbabwean businessman Frank Buyanga from the Johannesburg prison resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old South African detective constable.
According to a statement released by the South African Police Spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, the detective was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Friday, 14 April 2023 and has been charged with defeating the ends of justice.
“The Constable’s arrest emanated from a case of fraud and Contravention of Immigration Act against a foreign national businessman, Frank Buyanga, who was charged on 28 November 2022 and subsequently refused bail as the accused was also wanted for kidnapping in his country of origin,” said Colonel Katlego Mogale.
The detective was questioned after a call was made to the Investigation Officer, it is alleged that the detective received a call from Johannesburg Correctional Service notifying him that another police officer, a constable, wanted to book out Buyanga for investigation.
“The I/O immediately requested the prison warders to delay him as he and his colleagues are on their way. Upon arrival, the Constable from Mondeor Detectives was presented and further questioned where it was discovered that he had no case connected to the accused. The member has been arrested,” said Colonel Katlego Mogale.
This comes amid reports that several prisoners in South Africa bribe their way out of prison to attend to personal like birthdays and parties.
