Three detectives from KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal are likely to face murder charges for allegedly beating a foreign national to death last year after he allegedly failed to pay them a bribe.

They were fired from police service and the Independent Police Investigative Directive (IPID) have taken over the case.

The dismissal on March 1 followed an internal investigation and comes while the police station is rumoured to be hamstrung by internal politics which is negatively affecting the station’s operational capabilities.

According to a source within the station, a sergeant and 2 constables reportedly found a Nigerian man in possession of drugs, a large sum of money and other goods in KwaDukuza in October.

They allegedly asked him to pay a bribe, but when he failed to do so he was assaulted and died from his injuries.

For years residents have claimed that some KwaDukuza police officers accept bribes from drug dealers in the town’s central business district, particularly in King Shaka Street.

KwaDukuza CPF chairperson Dr Mfuneni Zungu applauded the dismissal of the detectives.

“This proves that whenever corrupt police are reported, they are dealt with. I am pleased this has happened because we always encourage residents to report such police officers,” said Zungu.

He said drug dealing in King Shaka Street was an ongoing problem and that police officers were regularly seen parked on the street, allegedly talking with dealers instead of arrests being made.

“Residents must report those officers so that they can be dealt with,” said Zungu.

He also claimed that poor service levels continue to plague the police station.

“We receive many complaints from residents who claim they are not being helped by police,” he said.

According to the source a go-slow campaign by certain police members who are unhappy about not being promoted, was seriously hampering the station’s operations.

It is also reported that residents are planning protest action should the situation at the station not improve soon.

KwaDukuza police station commander, Brigadier Sibongile Mhlongo, did not deny internal politics were at play but could not confirm a go-slow campaign.

“I have received complaints from community members who are not receiving good service. Should we find there is a go-slow in place, management will take action. I will leave no stone unturned,” said Mhlongo.

IPID had not responded at the time of publishing.