Four crime intelligence police officers were arrested in Johannesburg yesterday for their alleged involvement in a brutal scheme to extort money from a victim.

A bank employee and a civilian were also arrested for their alleged involvement.

The suspects face charges of corruption, extortion, kidnapping and assault.

According to the victim, he was approached on January 30 by the suspects, who were dressed in civilian clothing but appeared to be police officers. They told the victim they were investigating a case of fraud against him.

He was taken to the Fairlands Police Station, where the suspects allegedly assaulted him and forced him to transfer R180 000 from his account to theirs.

The victim was then abandoned in Roodepoort, leaving him shaken and traumatised.

The Roodepoort Northsider spoke to the provincial police communications officer, Sergeant Kholofelo Phokane, who confirmed the arrest.

“An investigation was launched, which led to the arrest of the four police officers who are being held in Fourways,” says Phokane.

More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.