The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) arrested seven members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) on suspicion of kidnapping and extorting a suspected illegal miner.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the arrests followed an operation by the JMPD Tactical Reaction Unit (TRU), which uncovered alleged acts of corruption and extortion involving the officers.
“It is reported that the members allegedly extorted a man in possession of material believed to be unrefined gold.”
According to reports, the SAPS members were allegedly en route to Johannesburg to sell unrefined gold. The officers, attached to the West Rand Public Order Police Unit, were later detained at the Booysens police station.
Muridili added that the alleged victim, believed to be an illegal miner, will also face charges under the Precious Metals Act.
She added that the investigation has been taken over by the SAPS Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, and the officers are due to appear in Booysens Magistrate’s Court shortly.
City of Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku confirmed that the TRU unit apprehended the officers on the scene and that the alleged victim was cooperating with authorities.
“The JMPD intervened, apprehending the officers on the scene. The zamazama’s are currently providing a statement to the authorities. The arrested officers are being detained at Booysen Police Station, where a case of extortion and kidnapping is being opened. The JPMD remains committed to upholding the rule of law, and corruption investigations are ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.”
Meanwhile, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni welcomed the arrests, assuring the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
“I have faith that the Anti-Corruption unit will conduct a diligent investigation that ensures that criminality and corruption are rooted out of the Service.”
The arrest of the seven officers follows a separate Bekkersdal incident, where four members of the JMPD TRU and two undocumented foreign nationals were detained.
According to SAPS, the TRU members and two undocumented foreign nationals appeared in Westonaria Magistrate’s Court facing charges of attempted theft, malicious damage to property, trespassing, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening the Immigration Act.
The Star
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