JOHANNESBURG – Nine law enforcement officers will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Friday following their arrests for alleged corruption, extortion and trespassing.
The officers were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in various locations across Gauteng.
According to the Hawks, a complaint was received on Tuesday afternoon that three suspects had arrived at a warehouse in Crown Mines, followed by six Metro police members who indicated they wanted to search the premises.
During the search, the officers allegedly found a box of hair dye and claimed it had expired. One of the officers then threatened the complainant with arrest unless he paid money.
The complainant immediately contacted the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit and reported the matter. Upon arrival at the scene, all nine suspects were arrested.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the police officers had conducted the search outside their jurisdiction. Four of the officers were also off duty at the time of the alleged incident.
In an unrelated case, four law enforcement members were issued with notices to appear in court following an investigation into a 2024 incident.
It is alleged that on 14 August 2024, a complainant received a call that police were at his gate. Upon arrival, he found two police vehicles – a minibus and a sedan – carrying six occupants.
The driver of the minibus introduced himself and instructed the complainant to open the gate. The officer indicated they wanted to conduct a search, which the complainant allowed. The officer then allegedly demanded money, which the complainant gave before they left.
The complainant went to a police station but was not assisted. As he left, he saw the minibus parked at the court. When he approached the vehicle, the occupants sped off.
The following day, the matter was reported to the Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation unit. Following investigations, summonses were issued for all the suspects to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on 22 June to face charges of theft.
The Provincial Head of Gauteng Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, praised the investigators for their work.
“Gauteng Serious Corruption will root out corruption and ensure that law enforcement officers are not found wanting. DPCI will deal with corruption without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.
Further arrests of outstanding suspects are expected.
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