Four more policemen have been arrested in connection with allegations they attempted to extort R100,000 from a Phoenix businessman.
On Monday IOL reported that cops, including members from the Johannesburg Flying Squad were arrested.
On Tuesday morning the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks) confirmed that a total of seven police officers faced charges of corruption in this matter to date.
KZN Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said on Sunday, September 8, 2024, the Durban Serious Corruption Investigation unit members arrested three off-duty police officials and one civilian for corruption.
“The complainant alleged that he was at his shop in Phoenix when one customer entered and requested three boxes (cartons) of cigarettes, which he paid R400.00 for and was given his change.”
Mhlongo said a few minutes later, four suspects entered the shop and one of them introduced himself as a police official.
“He further introduced his accomplices as colleagues from Pretoria. They then searched the shop and confiscated stock of cigarettes claiming that they were counterfeit cigarettes.
“They further demanded the owner’s firearm and drove to Phoenix police station where they demanded R100,000.00 gratification to release the complainant with his stock.”
Mhlongo said the complainant contacted his wife and she managed to raise an amount of R79,500.00.
“Hawks members were alerted and swiftly responded.”
He said a meeting point was arranged and the suspects were arrested immediately after taking cash.
On Tuesday morning, four more police officials handed themselves in and were also charged with corruption.
The eight suspects, including the civilian, aged between 31 and 54 are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
IOL News