An official at the border between South Africa and Lesotho was arrested for corruption.

According to the SAPS the official, a Warrant Officer (47) at the Maseru Port of Entry, has been arrested for alleged corruption and extortion.

The suspect was arrested on Thursday, August 27 after a warrant for his arrest was executed.

It is alleged that the officer searched a traveller’s bag and found R71 000.00. He allegedly threatened to arrest the traveller for money laundering unless he paid R10 000.00. The traveller handed over the money and was allowed to cross into Lesotho with the remaining funds.

The matter was reported and handed over to the Free State Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation. A warrant was subsequently obtained and executed.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia reaffirmed a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption within #SAPS ranks.

The Warrant Officer is expected to appear in court today on August 28, facing charges of corruption and extortion.