Mafikeng - North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa, has commended the arrest of a Lehurutse policeman who has been accused of kidnapping and murdering a suspect related to stock theft.
"The arrest of Constable Sehume Walter Motswiri as a suspect in a kidnapping and murder case bears testimony of the resolve of the police to rid society of criminals including from its own ranks," Yawa said.
The decomposing body of Poposi Taffa, who had been missing for 15 days, was discovered hidden in a bush next to a road by a cyclist who was passing by last week Tuesday.
It has been alleged that Taffa was summoned to the police station by Constable Motswiri for questioning on a case related to stock theft. He was the last person to be seen with the deceased.
Investigations by police have established that the deceased had at one stage complained that the suspect had slashed the tyres of his car after an incident involving the suspect's live-in lover. However, the matter was resolved among themselves without a case being registered.
Constable Motswiri was arrested the day after the body was recovered.
Yawa has assured Taffa's family and community that justice will be done if the police officer is found guilty.
He said the decisive action by police management reaffirms their position that there is no place in the police service for rogues who abuse the position of trust bestowed upon them by the state and communities.
"The suspect will face the full wrath of the law like any other criminal including being subjected to South African Police Service (SAPS) Disciplinary regulations.
"Disciplinary steps are already in process after the Provincial Commissioner, Lesetja Beetha imposed a suspension without salary against the suspect in terms of section 43 of the SAPS Act 68 of 1995," said Yawa.
Constable Motswiri is expected to make his second appearance at the Lehurutse Magistrate Court today, for bail application.
