Two metro police officers fired for allegedly extorting bribes in Centurion
Both officers were involved in bribery and misconduct, and their actions were deemed a violation of the ethical standards expected from the TMPD.
Two metro police officers have been dismissed from their duties after being found guilty of misconduct, corruption, and violating the ethical standards of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).
MMC for community safety Grandi Theunissen said the dismissals follow a thorough disciplinary hearing, which was initiated after numerous complaints streamed to the senior metro police officials for action.
The complaints were from residents in Centurion.
“The findings were unequivocal. Both officers were found guilty of conduct unbecoming of law enforcement personnel, and their actions were deemed a gross violation of the ethical standards expected of TMPD members,” he said.
Theunissen said that one of the officers was allegedly involved in an incident that happened in September 2022, where he pulled over a couple at night and accused them of speeding excessively.
He said the man was taken away in a metro police vehicle and the wife was forced to pay R5 000 if she wanted to see him again.
“After paying the requested amount, the wife found my number from a security company and called me to explain what had happened,” he said.
“I reported the matter to the internal division, and it was further investigated, and charges were laid against the officers.”
He said that the officer was found guilty of misconduct.
Theunissen said the other officer was allegedly involved in a similar incident that happened in 2019 where a young man was pulled over for apparently crossing the white line on the road.
“The young man’s mother was called and requested to send R6 000 or else her son would be arrested and sent to jail,” he said.
“The mother eventually paid the bribe to the specific police officer electronically.”
He said the police officer was found guilty of two charges of extortion.
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Theunissen said both officers lost their jobs.
He said the one officer appeared in court on June 10, when the case was postponed to November 4.
“The metro has zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, corruption, or abuse of power within its ranks,” he said.
He said the officers betrayed the trust of the community and also undermined the reputation and integrity of the TMPD through their actions.
“Their continued presence in the force would pose a significant threat to the community and the values we uphold,” he said.
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