On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Hawks members from Port Shepstone’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit arrested 34-year-old Sergeant Ntokozo Mngqithi on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice. Mngqithi, who was already in detention for the murder of his fiancée, Sergeant Ntombi Mbanjwa, now faces additional charges related to his involvement in a corrupt act committed in November 2022.
Mngqithi was investigating a culpable homicide case following a truck collision with a light motor vehicle that claimed the lives of seven passengers. It is alleged that he approached the truck driver, demanding a R60,000 bribe to drop the case. Key evidence was allegedly withheld from court, despite repeated instructions to present it. Mngqithi reportedly lied about the missing evidence, leading to the provisional withdrawal of the case.
The case was reassigned to another officer, who uncovered Mngqithi’s misconduct. During the Hawks’ investigation, it was revealed that Mngqithi had received over R30,000 into his bank account for his involvement.
Mngqithi briefly appeared in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody. His case was postponed to December 19, 2024, for a bail application.
KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, praised the arrest and emphasized the commitment to eradicating corruption within the police force, stressing that such misconduct damages the reputation of the South African Police Service and undermines public trust in the justice system.