KZN Premier Ntuli praises police for arresting Sergeant Ntokozo Mngqithi, who faces charges of corruption and defeating justice
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended the swift action of law enforcement in arresting a corrupt police sergeant, emphasising the province’s zero-tolerance stance on lawlessness.
This bold statement follows the arrest of Sergeant Ntokozo Mngqithi, a member of the South African Police Service, who now faces charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
SERGEANT ACCUSED OF BRIBERY IN CRASH INVESTIGATION
According to SAnews, Sergeant Ntokozo Mngqithi, 34, was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Port Shepstone. Already in custody for the alleged murder of his fiancée, Sergeant Ntombi Mbanjwa, Mngqithi has been further implicated in a bribery scandal stemming from his involvement in a 2022 culpable homicide case.
The case involved a truck collision with a light motor vehicle that resulted in seven fatalities. Investigating the incident, Mngqithi allegedly demanded a R60,000 bribe from the truck driver to influence the outcome of the case.
It has since been revealed that he received over R30,000 in payments to his bank account but failed to submit critical evidence required for the case to proceed. Despite multiple instructions noted in the docket, Mngqithi allegedly fabricated information, leading to the case being provisionally withdrawn.
Suspicion arose when the docket was reassigned to another investigator, who discovered discrepancies pointing to foul play. A subsequent investigation by the Hawks confirmed Mngqithi’s misconduct, resulting in his arrest.
PREMIER: ‘LAWLESSNESS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED’
Reacting to the developments, Premier Ntuli lauded the efforts of law enforcement in taking action against one of their own. “This arrest demonstrates that no one is above the law, not even members of the South African Police Service. Corruption will not be tolerated in KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli stated.
The Premier further commended the Tactical Response Team (TRT) for their work in combating crime across the province, including recent arrests in the Umzinyathi District. There, officers apprehended three individuals for illegal firearm possession in two separate incidents.
Ntuli also extended his praise to KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, highlighting his leadership in ensuring accountability and integrity within the police force.
ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS AND NEXT STEPS
Mngqithi appeared briefly in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he was remanded in custody. Investigations into his alleged corruption and involvement in his fiancée’s murder are ongoing.
Authorities have pledged to pursue justice for the victims of his actions and restore confidence in the criminal justice system. This case has been cited as an example of how law enforcement is working to rebuild public trust by holding its members accountable.
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