A South African Police Services (SAPS) detective constable has been charged for allegedly defeating the course of justice by attempting to release Zimbabwean businessman Frank Buyanga from prison.
He was arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit as he reportedly tried to release Buyanga from prison where he is detained over charges of fraud.
Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said on Friday, the detective almost booked out the incarcerated Buyanga from the Johannesburg Correctional Services, purporting that he was going to do an investigation.
“The constable’s arrest emanated from a (case) of fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act against a foreign national businessman, Frank Buyanga who was charged on 28 November, 2022, and subsequently refused bail as the accused was also wanted for kidnapping in his country of origin,” Col Mogale said.
“It is alleged on Friday, 14 April 2023, the investigation officer received a call from Johannesburg Correctional Services, notifying him that another police officer, a constable, wants to book out the accused (Buyanga) for investigation.”
Investigating officer immediately requested the prison warders to delay the detective constable, as he and his colleagues were on their way.
“Upon arrival, the constable from Mondeor detectives was presented and further questioned, where it was discovered that he had no case connected to the accused (Buyanga). The member has been arrested,” Col Mogale said.
In November last year, Buyanga was wanted by Zimbabwean authorities on charges including kidnapping, and was arrested at an upmarket hotel in Sandton, Joburg.
The controversial businessman was arrested by Interpol South Africa through the assistance of the SAPS National Intervention Unit in an early morning raid.
He was granted R150 000 bail by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on allegations of kidnapping his son in Harare in 2020 and on charges of contempt of court.
His freedom bid was, however, dashed as he was immediately re-arrested, accused of breaching South African immigration laws.
At the time of Buyanga’s arrest in November, the South African Police Service said the businessman was wanted by Zimbabwean authorities for kidnapping, robbery and three counts of contempt of court.
“The charges emanate from an incident which took place in April 2020 in Zimbabwe, where the suspect (Buyanga) kidnapped his next of kin and fled with him to South Africa.
“A warrant of arrest was immediately issued by Zimbabwean authorities after which a red notice was also issued by Interpol Harare,” national SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said.
“Zimbabwe Independent”, a weekly newspaper, reported that Buyanga had been involved in a child custody battle with his former girlfriend, Chantelle Muteswa for years.”
He reportedly left Zimbabwe with the child illegally and was later listed on Interpol’s Red Notice, leading to the arrest at Sandton.
Discover more from Nehanda Radio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
