Police misconduct

Photo: File

Corrupt cops: Six police officers, three JMPD members arrested for extortion, house robbery

Nine law enforcement officers suspected of a series of crimes were arrested this week by “dedicated” Gauteng police members.

Police misconduct

Photo: File

Nine law enforcement officers suspected of committing a series of crimes, including house robbery, extortion and corruption, in Gauteng were arrested by the police this week. Three of the suspects are attached to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and six are from the South African Police Service (SAPS).

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARRESTED

According to SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mavela Masondo, dedicated officers from West Rand and Ekurhuleni Districts in Gauteng arrested the nine law enforcement officers.

“It is reported that on Saturday, 17 July 2021 at about 15:00, a house in Simunye, Bekkersdal area, was robbed by three males and one female where an undisclosed amount of cash and expensive liquor were taken,” said Masondo.

The West Rand District Trio Task Team launched a manhunt for the suspects after the matter was reported to the police. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that two vehicles – a white VW Polo and white double-cab Isuzu bakkie – were used by the suspects.

The police ran the license plates through the relevant database and found that the Polo’s registration was false but the bakkie belonged to a JMPD K9 unit member based in Booysen, Johannesburg.

A warrant of arrest was issued and two suspects – aged 38 and 41 – were taken into custody. Both are members of the JMPD. The arrest happened on Thursday, 5 August. “Police are looking for other suspects and investigation is continuing to establish if they are linked to other crimes,” said Masondo.

ATTEMPTED EXTORTION FOILED

A Warrant Officer, four Sergeants and a Constable were arrested, along with a civilian, after allegedly extorting an individual they accused of dealing in diesel. The six officers and civilian reportedly arrived at the business in Putfontein, Ekhurleni on Tuesday, 3 August, and asked to search the area as they claimed it was used to deal in diesel and store illegal firearms.

“It is alleged that after searching the premises and finding nothing, the police officers demanded money from the complainant in order not to arrest him,” said Masondo. “It is further alleged that the man in civilian clothes went to one of the complainant’s car and took an amount of ten thousand in cash.”

The victim called the local police station and they arrested the civilian suspect after he was found with the victim’s money in his possession. The six police officers were also arrested on Friday after an investigation. According to Masondo, they were charged with extortion and corruption. The civilian suspect will face an additional charge of theft and impersonating a police officer.

“Corrupt police officers will be exposed and dealt with decisively. We will continue to arrest and even dismiss members of the SAPS who participate in criminal activities,” said Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni.

“I want to thank the members of the community who have the courage to report police officers who are involved in criminal activities and placing trust on law-abiding police officers,” said Mthombeni.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Westonaria and Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 10 August.

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