ERMELO – Two immigration officers and an assistant director, from the Department of Home Affairs in Ermelo were arrested earlier today, November 9.

According to Brig Selvy Mohlala, spokesman for Mpumalanga police, the trio allegedly demanded money from foreign nationals owning businesses in Ermelo.

They claimed the business owners were illegally in South Africa.

One of the business owners reported the incident to Ermelo police, and an investigation was launched by the Anti Corruption Unit.

An operation was conducted and the three suspects were arrested, after receiving trap money.

The suspects will make their first appearance before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption on November 10.

Lieut Gen Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, said the police will do everything in their power to root out corruption in the province.

“No one is above the law. Anyone found to be in breach of the law will be arrested irrespective of the position he or she holds.”