Shepherd Vutete worked as a police officer at Nkulumane Police Station before his arrest. The 49-year-old man faces corruption charges after releasing robbery suspects for money. He took bribes and let criminals walk free during his night shift. Magistrate Archie Wochiwunga heard his case in court. Vutete remains locked up waiting for his next hearing.
Police caught three armed robbery suspects on April 26 around 11:15 PM. Officers from different units worked together and arrested Talent Sibanda, John Dube, and Eugene. They also found the criminals' blue Honda Fit car. Assistant Inspector Bunga told Vutete to keep all suspects in jail and hold the car as evidence. The corrupt officer had different plans.
Vutete only locked up Sibanda and secretly freed the other two men at 4:00 AM. He demanded 30 dollars from them to return their car. The suspects came back with the car owner Excellency Khabo Mkandla one hour later. They gave Vutete 25 dollars and 100 South African rand for the vehicle. The officer released the car immediately.
CID Homicide officers returned at 9:00 AM to check on the case. They discovered the missing suspects and car right away. Vutete's crime scheme fell apart quickly. Police never found the bribe money and the scandal shocked other officers. The court postponed his case until June 17.
Police caught three armed robbery suspects on April 26 around 11:15 PM. Officers from different units worked together and arrested Talent Sibanda, John Dube, and Eugene. They also found the criminals' blue Honda Fit car. Assistant Inspector Bunga told Vutete to keep all suspects in jail and hold the car as evidence. The corrupt officer had different plans.
Vutete only locked up Sibanda and secretly freed the other two men at 4:00 AM. He demanded 30 dollars from them to return their car. The suspects came back with the car owner Excellency Khabo Mkandla one hour later. They gave Vutete 25 dollars and 100 South African rand for the vehicle. The officer released the car immediately.
CID Homicide officers returned at 9:00 AM to check on the case. They discovered the missing suspects and car right away. Vutete's crime scheme fell apart quickly. Police never found the bribe money and the scandal shocked other officers. The court postponed his case until June 17.
