Police officer faces corruption charges for extorting R5,000 from suspect
Image: IOL
An alleged corrupt police officer is expected to make his first court appearance today after he allegedly forced a suspect to pay him R5,000 to secure his release after the suspect's arrest.
The officer, after receiving part payment of R3,000, failed to release the suspect, and the matter was reported.
The officer will appear in the Leeu Gamka Magistrate's Court today on a charge of corruption.
After the cop's arrest, provincial police commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, issued a stern warning against corruption within the ranks of police officers.
Patekile emphasised the SAPS' zero-tolerance approach to corrupt officials.
Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said the 31-year-old constable was arrested on June 25.
'The initial reports at our disposal suggest that on May 9, the constable stationed at Leeu Gamka SAPS requested a suspect in custody for fraud to make a payment of R5,000 to secure his release. The suspect agreed to pay the constable an amount of R3,000 and arranged to pay the balance upon his release.
'The constable in question used his mobile device to ensure the suspect made a payment into his bank account. The suspect, however, was never released from custody. The conduct of the police member was reported and ultimately transferred to the Western Cape Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation,' said Swartbooi.
SAPS has urged the public to report any corrupt activities involving police members on the Anti-Corruption Hotline 0800 701 701, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
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