COP ARRESTED FOR RELEASING CONVICT

NHLANGANO – A police officer has been arrested and charged after allegedly releasing a convict who had not paid a fine.

The police officer was charged for allegedly defrauding the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) or Eswatini Government a sum of E15 000. Wandile Mlilo of Zombodze Emuva, under Chief Masenjana, is based at Hluthi Police Station and he appeared at the Shiselweni Magistrates Court last Friday. During his appearance, he was facing a charge of fraud. According to his charge sheet, he was charged for (allegedly) contravening Section 24 (1) as read with Section 35 (1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 3/2006.

Fine

It was stated that upon or about July 12, 2022, at Hluthi Police Station in the Shiselweni Region, the said person (allegedly) misrepresented to the REPS or Eswatini Government that Bhekithemba Matse ‘a convict’ was released after having paid the fine of E15 000 at the Nhlangano Revenue offices, whereas it was not the case. It was stated that Mlilo (allegedly) made the aforesaid misrepresentation knowing very well that the convict (Matse) had not paid the fine, therefore, was not entitled to be released from custody.

Diverted

In the charge sheet, it was stated that the accused person (allegedly) unlawfully diverted, as a result of his above mentioned fraudulent conduct, the said E15 000 belonging to the government, thereby deprived the public revenue of money to which the government was entitled. Mlilo was on Friday released on E2 500 bail and he would return to court on October 17, 2022 for the setting of the trial date.

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