Three SAPS members briefly appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of corruption, extortion, and theft.

According to Sedibeng Ster, Constables DM Logenberg, TA Petsana, and VS Mahlatsi are facing charges following an incident on March 28.

On that day, the police officers allegedly arrived at a local scrapyard and informed workers they had information about illegal activities on the premises.

The officers contacted the owner by telephone and allegedly demanded R40 000 in exchange for not arresting the workers.

The owner complied with the demands, after which four rolls of copper wire were taken from the premises, allegedly by the officers, before leaving.

The incident was reported to the SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit, which launched an investigation.

The Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently decided to prosecute three of the four members.

The three officers appeared briefly in court yesterday. The case was postponed to May 26 for further investigation.

The officers were not arrested but were instructed to appear in court.

Constable DM Logenberg was also mentioned earlier this year in another high-profile case involving the alleged theft of liquor worth R600 000 and cash worth R700 000.

Constable TA Petsana is the son of high-ranking police officer Lieutenant Colonel Moeketsi Petsana.

All the suspects are members of the Sedibeng Economic Infrastructure Task Force.

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