Agreement Mkhari 
A shocking discovery was made during a recent investigation involving Sergeant MS Lebakeng of Bohlokong Detective Branch. During a visit to his home, police found 49 case dockets that were allegedly destroyed in the Bohlokong Police Station arson incident in December 2024, as per CAS 442/12/2024. The dockets were found lying in his garage.
Also found at his residence were 50 buccal swabs meant to be at the Free State Laboratory, along with murder case exhibits linked to Bohlokong CAS 16/01/2025. Sgt Lebakeng failed to explain why these critical items were in his possession. A case of defeating the ends of justice was opened under CAS 131/04/2025.
The arrest was part of a broader investigation into fraud in Bethlehem under the project “Fanta Orange,” led by Crime Intelligence (MODC) and the Bethlehem CCIU. Sgt Lebakeng was arrested along with Chantel Myra Deerling and Sello Andries Ntima. Exhibits were booked under SAPS 13/199/2025 and 200/2025. He was also linked to another fraud case, CAS 254/02/2025.
The fraud investigation stemmed from a complaint by Mr Tseki Moeketsi, an employee at Beds Home and Electric Furniture Shop in Bethlehem. He reported a criminal group defrauding the store using fake payslips and bank statements. Furniture worth R124,000 was fraudulently acquired.
It was discovered that Sgt Lebakeng used a state vehicle to transport the stolen furniture, some of which was delivered to his home and signed for by him.
On 9 April 9 2025, a takedown operation led by Bethlehem CCIU, TRT, Crime Intelligence, and Vispol resulted in Sgt Lebakeng’s arrest. He remains in custody as investigations continue.
