Sharpeville cops busted in ransom scandal
A senior SAPS official brought the matter to the attention of the Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) unit in Vaal Rand. A Chinese national had allegedly been unlawfully detained by SAPS members, with a reported demand of R3 000 for his release.
An investigation was immediately launched, and verbal 252A authorisation (entrapment) was secured from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in Pretoria to monitor the transaction. Before the suspects could collect the full amount, information surfaced that R1 000 had already been paid, and the victim had been released without any formal record of arrest being filed at the police station.
SCI members proceeded to Sharpeville SAPS, where two suspects were identified, questioned, and subsequently arrested after failing to provide any lawful justification for the arrest or release of the complainant.
Both suspects face charges of kidnapping, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice.
The Vereeniging Magistrate's Court granted the duo R1 000 bail each. The accused are expected to appear in court again on September 1.
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