The son of retired Sedibeng district police commissioner, Major General Zodwa Molefe, and another policeman appeared in the Springs Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Constables Thabiso Pule Molefe and Paseka Matena made a brief appearance on charges of kidnapping and extortion.

According to a statement issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the two police officers, aged 31 and 33, allegedly approached a man named Pita Muthisse in Springs and instructed him to get into their vehicle, after which they drove off with him.

The men allegedly accused Muthisse of being involved in illegal mining.

“Mr Ntshangane called Muthisse, who told him that the police officers who allegedly abducted him had handed him over to Basotho nationals, who were demanding R2m for his safe return. The ransom was lowered to R150 000 and later to R20 000,” explains IPID spokesperson Pheladi Shuping.

The incident was reported to IPID, and the two police officers stationed at Midrand Highway Patrol, were arrested. Muthisse was released following the arrest of the police officers.

The constables are set to return to court tomorrow for a formal bail application.