Two police officers are set to appear in court after being arrested for corruption, kidnapping and intimidation following an alleged bribery incident in Mitchells Plain.

The incident

According to police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, police searched a house at Du Toitskloof Street, Tafelsig, in Mitchells Plain, for drugs and firearms on Wednesday 22 July. Nothing was found, but the officers arrested a man at the house.

When family members contacted the police about the reason for the arrest, a payment was demanded. The family could not afford the full amount but the officers agreed to accepting half. The money was delivered and the man was released. Unbeknownst to the officers, the family recorded the conversation.

The investigation

The matter was reported to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit and a case was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution, who charged the officers.

A warrant of arrest was authorised by the magistrate at Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court.

The arrest

A 25-year-old constable attached to Mitchells Plain police station was arrested by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit yesterday (Wednesday 5 August). The constable is due to appear at Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 6 August.

A second officer, who is currently in Gauteng, has arranged to hand himself over on Thursday 13 August upon his return.

Response

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi warned that corruption within the ranks of the Western Cape police will not be tolerated. He said members who find themselves on the wrong side of the law will be prosecuted.

The Mitchells Plain Sub-District Community Police Forum said it welcomed the swift arrest of the officers involved. A statement, issued by Sandy Schuter on behalf of the forum, said zero tolerance must be applied to corruption of any sort within law enforcement ranks.

The forum said police officers are sworn to protect and serve communities, not to exploit vulnerable families through extortion, kidnapping and intimidation. It said criminal behaviour by those entrusted with upholding the law severely damages community-police relations, and that holding these individuals accountable is a critical step in rebuilding public trust.

It commended the Western Cape SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit for its decisive action and urged community members to report any acts of corruption or abuse of power so that neighbourhoods remain safe and free from criminality at every level.

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