SASOLBURG – The Free State Police Anti-Corruption Unit (FSPACU) has arrested a 43-year-old police sergeant based in Sasolburg on charges of alleged extortion and corruption after a civilian blew the whistle. Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, spokesperson for the police, said the suspect was arrested yesterday, Friday, during an undercover entrapment operation.

She said the whistle blower was a 41-year-old who was being investigated by the officer for alleged assault.

Mbambo said the officer’s arrest was based on prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, further confirming that a case of assault was indeed registered against the complainant. “However, the complainant was not yet charged,” she said.

Mbambo said according to information gathered, the extortion began on Monday – 6 July, during the officer’s follow-up visit to the complainant regarding an assault case. She said the officer did not find the complainant on the first visit at his home last Sunday.

“Instead of processing the matter legally, the detective reportedly told the complainant – ‘there is no case’ and suggested they could ‘work something out’ to prevent his arrest. The complainant was coerced into sending R2 000 via electronic funds transfer (EFT) to prevent his arrest,” said Mbambo.

“The extortion escalated on Wednesday when the detective returned to the complainant, claiming that the prosecutor demanded a further R10 000 to drop the charges. The complainant stated he did not have the funds but promised to make an arrangement,” said Mbambo.

She said after the matter was brought to the attention of the FSACU, a formal entrapment operation was authorised and executed on Friday afternoon.

“The detective met the complainant to collect the money. He was arrested immediately after the exchange and the marked entrapment money was recovered in his possession,” said Mbambo.

She confirmed the officer was expected to appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of corruption and extortion.