The South African Police Service has reported that it is investigating an incident of preferential treatment after corruption and money laundering accused, Louis Liebenberg was seen kissing his wife, Dezzie Liebenberg after emerging from a police van.
On Tuesday, Liebenberg appeared before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court where his case alongside his wife Dezzi, and seven co-accused was postponed to July 8, while Liebenberg is expected to apply for bail on February 25.
The accused face 42 charges including fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Liebenberg is seen emerging from the back of a police vehicle with his wife waiting for him outside a police station.
SAPS spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe in a statement indicated that the SAPS has taken note of a video depicting alleged preferential treatment and favouritism given to an accused person who is currently in police custody.
“At the time of the incident, the accused who is currently in police custody, is seen being allowed physical contact with his spouse which is not allowed,” she said.
“SAPS management is investigating this incident and internal departmental processes are under way against the members concerned,“ the police said on Sunday.
According to Mathe, the police will also seek to establish if their members made a search of Liebenberg’s spouse, who was seen speaking to her husband in full view of the police.
“The SAPS will also establish if the members searched the contents of the bag of the spouse to ensure that the contents may not be used to facilitate an escape or endanger the lives of others.
“The fact that a video was taken of suspects and accused persons is also concerning as it contravenes the POPI ACT,“ Mathe said.
“At the time of the incident, the accused who is currently in police custody, is seen being allowed physical contact with his spouse which is not allowed.”