A police sergeant stationed at White River SAPS has been remanded in custody after he was arrested on allegations of corruption.

The 41-year-old officer, identified as Sergeant Xolani Sibiya, appeared briefly at the White River Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 2 October 2025, where his case was postponed to Friday, 3 October for a formal bail application.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Sergeant Sibiya allegedly attempted to solicit a R1,000 bribe from a theft suspect who had been released on warning following an arrest on 26 September. The suspect was due back in court on 1 October, but the case was not enrolled.

Investigators allege that the sergeant exploited the situation by misleading the suspect, claiming that he had influenced the prosecutor to withdraw the matter. He then allegedly demanded payment for his so-called “assistance.”

When the suspect could not produce the money immediately, the two reportedly agreed that the payment would be made on Thursday. Instead, the suspect alerted the Hawks, leading to the sergeant’s arrest at his workplace.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, strongly condemned the incident.

“Our members are reminded regularly to live by the SAPS Code of Conduct. They are there to serve and protect. We will ensure that justice is served, and our investigation will be conducted without fear or favour,” he said.