Benoni Flying Squad officers back in court for kidnapping, extortion case
Three members of the Benoni Flying Squad, who face charges of kidnapping and extortion, made another brief appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court this morning.
Kempton Express reports that the case was postponed to July 8 for the docket and further investigation to be completed.
This follows a previous delay on April 8, when it was revealed in court that the investigating officer was attending training and had yet to finalise the investigation.
The accused officers were arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on December 2 last year, just days after an alleged incident involving the extortion of a salon owner at Norkem Mall on November 24.
According to IPID, the three officers approached a 38-year-old salon owner and began questioning her about her business documentation.
She reportedly indicated that all required papers were displayed on the premises. The officers then requested her ID, which she handed over.
It is further alleged that the officers demanded to search her residence.
Once there, they insisted on accessing a safe and demanded cash, reportedly extorting a total of R42 000, although they allegedly demanded R60 000.
The incident was later reported to IPID, which launched an investigation and subsequently arrested the officers.
During their initial court appearance on December 3, each officer was granted R2 000 bail, which was extended again today.
The trio has not yet entered a plea.
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