Times Of Swaziland: CAR SMUGGLING: 3 COPS SUSPENDED

CAR SMUGGLING: 3 COPS SUSPENDED
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Mbongiseni Ndzimandze on 12/06/2019 08:44:00


MBABANE - Like his predecessor, Acting National Commissioner of Police William
Dlamini has zero tolerance for corruption in the police service.
The acting national commissioner has since suspended the three police officers
who are implicated in the smuggling of stolen motor vehicles at the Mhlumemi
Border Gate. The three police officers, who have been suspended on half pay, are
Constables Simanga Nkwanyana, Sandile Dlamini and Bhekumusa Mncina. They were
all based at Mhlumeni Border Gate and they are alleged to have assisted cars
thieves to smuggle the stolen vehicles into Mozambique from Eswatini. For this
‘job;’ they were allegedly paid substantial amounts of money by the car
thieves.
Charges
On January 25, 2019, the three were arrested and charged with three criminal
offences namely; prevention of corruption and two charges of contravening
Section 8 of the Theft of Motor Vehicle Act No.16 of 1991. In the memorandum
interdicting them from work, the acting commissioner of police stated that it
was common cause that upon their (three police officers) release on bail, they
appeared before the Board of officers to show cause why they should not be
interdicted from duty in terms of Section 43 (1) (b) of the Police Service Act
No.2 of 2018. He highlighted that such was in compliance with the rules of
natural justice (Audi alteram partem rule).
The acting commissioner reminded the officers that during their appearance
before the Board of officers, they made submissions which the board took into
consideration. “Be advised that I have given due consideration of your
submissions and the recommendation of the Board and I have since concluded that
in view of national interest and seriousness of the offence for which you are
charged you are hereby interdicted from duty on half pay,” reads part of the
memorandum by the acting national commissioner of police.
Challenging
One of the suspended police officers, Bhekumusa Mncina, is now challenging his
suspension on half pay.