A senior cop, who was bust in a sting operation in Kuils River for allegedly accepting a R10 000 bribe, is also facing a previous rape charge in court.
Captain Jerome Adams, 48, and Warrant Officer Tobias Prins, 56, stationed at Lentegeur SAPS, made their first appearance at the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Monday April 9 where they face a charge of corruption.
The two allegedly accepted a bribe of R10 000 to secure a gun licence for a member of the public, who was found to be unfit to own one.
However, the person who has since turned State witness, told their colleagues about the plan.
On Friday April 6, the police’s Crime Intelligence set a trap for the cops while they had a meal at a restaurant in Zevenwacht Mall.
The two were allegedly found in possession of R5 000 cash each. On Monday the duo were supported by family and colleagues at court and appeared nervous as they made their way into the dock.
Captain Adams’s wife sat crying in the benches while being comforted by a fellow police officer. State prosecutor Farazana Valley-Omar said that a witness statement and cellphone records were outstanding.
She then informed the court that Warrant Officer Prins had a pending case of rape against him, for which he was currently out on a warning.
Warrant Officer Prins is expected to appear at the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court on a rape charge on Friday April 20.
It is alleged that he and another policeman raped a 21-year-old woman in Beacon Valley last year.
The prosecutor said the State would not oppose the men’s release and suggested bail be set at R5 000.
The court ruled, however, that the duo be released on R3 000 bail after their lawyers, Mark Langevet and Raymond Davies, said the men were sole breadwinners and only brought home R7 000 a month.
The suspects must also report to Lentegeur SAPS at unspecified times, and were warned not to interfere with witnesses.
The case was postponed to Friday June 22 for further investigation.
Outside court, the men’s families hurled abuse and threats at the media, saying they “needed to stop what they were doing”.
A police officer also escorted the suspects, who hid their faces behind their clothing, from court.
Meanwhile, a video of their arrest at Mugg&Bean has gone viral online.
It shows at least six officers removing money in bank bags from the men’s pockets, and them being handcuffed in full view of the public.
“Staan op, nou weet jy nie wat jy gedoen het nie?” one arresting officer is heard saying.
Warrant Officer Prins, who is wearing a police uniform, looks shell-shocked as his colleague says: “Boei hom (handcuff him), haal af sy badge.”
The two smile nervously, and ask where their cellphones are before being taken out of the restaurant. – Daily Voice