Arrested: failed police recruit tried to bribe officials

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman who allegedly offered R10,000 to secure a position with the Tshwane Metro Police has been arrested after an undercover sting operation caught her handing over R3,000 as a first payment.

She now faces corruption charges with her case postponed to February 20.

Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo, said Lesudi Tshegofatso Thaluki was arrested on Thursday, by the Pretoria-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) unit.

Her arrest followed a police operation conducted after she allegedly handed over R3,000 to the senior TMPD officer, who was part of the undercover operation, at Wonderboom Junction Shopping Centre.

According to the Hawks, the matter started on January 9, when a TMPD commissioner received an email from the suspect, who claimed she had been an unsuccessful applicant in the City of Tshwane’s recruitment process.

In that email, she allegedly asked the commissioner to assist in securing her appointment and offered a gratification of R10,000 in return.

The commissioner reported the incident to the Hawks’ SCI, prompting an investigation that led to the undercover operation and Thaluki’s arrest.

Singo said the swift action by investigators prevented the alleged bribery attempt from succeeding.

Thaluki made her first appearance before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Friday and is expected to return next month as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, the provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, has commended the Serious Corruption Investigation team for their swift response to the complaint.

Kadwa also urged public officials to promptly report any acts of corruption to the Hawks.

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