Illegal cigarettes – new bribing tool for police?

Allegations about police officers bribing illicit cigarette suppliers are doing the rounds in Toekomsrus.

The Herald received a call from an angry resident who wishes to remain anonymous in fear of being victimised. She said about 20 police vans were doing their rounds and mainly targeting illicit cigarette suppliers while they focus on the drug lords in the community.

She said police arrest these illegal cigarette suppliers and then release them after they’ve payed a fine of around R400. She said when they need the police to come out to a scene, it is always a struggle and the number of vans available are very limited.

“The community is tired of this and feels like taking the law into their own hands,” she said.

Captain Appel Ernst, spokesperson for the Randfontein Police said, “These are serious allegations.” She committed to investigating this matter.

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