A police sergeant was among three suspects arrested on Noble Road in Umbilo, Durban on Friday after an alleged exchange of money was witnessed by other officers conducting a prime prevention operation.

The sergeant is suspected of taking a bribe of R200 from civilians who were later caught with cocaine and R7 000 cash in their possession.

This is according to provincial SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala.

According to Gwala, SAPS members, joined by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, were conducting a crime-prevention operation when a police officer was seen exchanging an unknown item with a civilian.

The team noticed something suspicious going on between occupants in a police vehicle, from Durban Central SAPS, and a civilian male outside a block of flats on Noble Road. An unknown male was seen leaning through the window into the front passenger seat of the police vehicle, handing something over to the passenger,” says Gwala.

As the team rushed toward the police vehicle, the sergeant threw something out the window.

“The police officer, a 39-year-old sergeant, was confronted and placed under arrest for corruption and defeating the ends of justice after an amount of R200 was retrieved from the drain,” says Gwala.

It is suspected the member threw the money out the window.

The man who handed the money to the police was later caught with drugs.

“The civilian was ordered to take the operational team to his apartment where they found a second man. The flat was searched, and police found pieces of cocaine and R7 000 cash, suspected to be the proceeds from a crime,” says Gwala.

The two suspects were placed under arrest for possession of drugs.

“I accompanied police members last night as a show of support and to boost the morale of members throughout the province as well as the country.

“These arrests last night, especially that of the police officer, are a giant leap for those hard-working police officers to rid our ranks of corrupt elements,” says General Mkhwanazi.

All three suspects are due to appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.