Johannesburg – A 35-year-old Ethiopian national has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, after attempting to bribe police officers to secure the release of an arrested friend, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
According to SAPS, the incident occurred on 27 July 2026 at about 13:30 when Kliptown Crime Prevention members were approached by Teshale Awol Hiregete.
Police said Hiregete offered officers a bribe in an attempt to persuade them to release his friend, who had been arrested and detained for allegedly being in South Africa illegally.
“The police officers immediately rejected the bribe and arrested the suspect,” SAPS said.
Hiregete was subsequently detained and charged with bribery.
The case was assigned to Sergeant Sydney Mathebula of the Kliptown Detectives, who SAPS credited with ensuring that the matter was thoroughly investigated and prepared for trial.
“Through meticulous, diligent and professional investigative work, Sergeant Mathebula ensured that the case was thoroughly prepared and enrolled for trial,” the police service said.
Hiregete appeared before the Lenasia Regional Court, where he was found guilty and convicted of bribery.
He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, on condition that he is not convicted of the same offence during the suspension period.
SAPS welcomed the outcome as an affirmation of police integrity, particularly after officers refused the attempted bribe and instead arrested the person who allegedly offered it.
The case highlights the consequences of attempting to influence police officers through bribery, while SAPS continues to call for members of the public to report corruption and criminal conduct.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
