In a significant blow to police corruption, the JMPD Tactical Reaction Unit (TRU) arrested seven SAPS officers on October 24 for allegedly extorting and kidnapping an illegal miner (zama zama) found in possession of gold-refining materials and gold-bearing soil.

Comaro Chronicle reports that the incident unfolded when the officers allegedly demanded R5 000 from the miner, later increasing the amount to R30 000.

The officers allegedly took the victim to a loan facility to secure the payment, but the JMPD TRU intervened and arrested them.

Details of the victim’s status and further case developments had not been disclosed at the time of publishing.

One of the zama zamas co-operated with the authorities and provided a statement to support the case.

The officers remain in custody at Booysens Police Station, facing charges of extortion and kidnapping.

The case is set to be heard in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court today, when the accused officers are expected to apply for bail.

The state prosecutor outlined the charges against the accused, including kidnapping, extortion, and possession of precious metals.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.