Prosecutor accused of taking bribe arrested

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Published Jul 10, 2013

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Durban - The law turned on its own on Tuesday when a public prosecutor left the Durban Magistrate’s Court in handcuffs, charged with corruption for allegedly asking for a bribe.

The 33-year-old woman was arrested during court proceedings after allegedly soliciting a R1 000 bribe from a suspect facing assault and fraud charges.

Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge said the prosecutor, who cannot be named as she has not appeared in court, was arrested after the KwaDukuza cluster task team, led by Derrick Hastibeer, conducted an intelligence crime drive following a tip-off.

“The prosecutor, working in F court, allegedly demanded R1 000 from an advocate who represented his client on a case of assault and fraud,” he said.

The police handed marked bills to the attorney to give to the prosecutor as a trap.

Arrangements were made and the prosecutor received the bribe in cash. The officers entered the court while it was in session.

“A search was conducted after she was told of the police investigation.

“An amount of R1 000 cash was found in her possession which matched the copies of the marked police trap money used. The prosecutor was immediately arrested,” Mdunge said.

The prosecutor would appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on corruption charges.

Mdunge said: “State organs are supposed to be trusted by the community not to be in conflict with the law. Those entrusted with positions in public institutions should uphold the law.”

Despite this arrest, police and the National Prosecuting Authority continued to enjoy a cordial relationship, said Mdunge.

“We enjoy an excellent relationship with all government institutions. It is an individual who decided to contravene the law and she must pay the price,” he said.

NPA spokesman Natasha Ramkisson confirmed the arrest.

The Mercury

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