A Free State police officer is under investigation for allegedly lying about the arrest of a man accused of murdering his wife in Bothaville two weeks ago.

The investigation was initiated after a visit by the EFF leadership to the family of the deceased. Police initially reported that the suspect (29) had been arrested for the murder. However, when the EFF visited Mametsi Mmatli’s family, they discovered that the alleged killer, Sello Putswenyane, was not in custody but rather preparing to bury his wife.

During a recent Free State Legislature sitting, EFF Provincial Treasurer Seipati Nanyane, MPL, recalled how the station commander was surprised and shocked upon learning that Putswenyane had not been apprehended.

The investigating officer allegedly lied to the station commander about the arrest of Putswenyane. Once the truth was uncovered, the Bothaville station commander issued an arrest warrant for the suspect and opened a case against the investigating officer.

The station commander initiated internal investigations. No further information can be shared at this stage pending the outcome of this investigation, said Free State police spokesperson, Mahlomola Kareli.

Free State and Northern Cape NPA spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, in the meantime, said the matter has not yet been enrolled and the decision will likely be taken on Wednesday (17/7).

Nanyane expressed serious concerns over corrupt police officers and called for their immediate arrest. She emphasised that the safety of women remains compromised due to such corruption, which promotes gender-based violence (GBV). The recent surge in GBV cases has alarmed the province, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for action.

The Free State has witnessed numerous protests against GBV and provincial government officials, political parties, churches, and various organisations took a stand during court appearances of alleged perpetrators at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha Mathae led the marches and stressed the importance of community involvement in combating GBV.

“Police are at work, but if communities are not involved, if communities are not part of this campaign, we will never, ever, ever deal with this matter. The president did declare this a pandemic, however, it must be stopped by our communities,” Mathae said.

She highlighted that many recent cases involved intimate partner violence, which underscores the need for community solidarity and support.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg