Three Bethal police officers in court for alleged corruption and extortion
The officers are further accused of taking cash from the businessman and allegedly indicated that they would return for more money.
Three police officers of the Bethal Police Station appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on May 7, facing charges of corruption and extortion.
The accused are Constable Sbongiseni Mazibuko, Sergeant Siyabonga Hlatshwayo and Sergeant Itumeleng Motalane.
Their court appearance followed their arrest by members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.
Mazibuko and Hlatshwayo were arrested on May 6, while Motalane was arrested on May 7 before joining the co-accused in court.
It is alleged that in January 2025, the officers demanded money from a businessman who allegedly failed to produce a licence for operating a hair salon.
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The officers are further accused of taking cash from the businessman and allegedly indicated that they would return for more money.
The businessman later reported the matter to a member of the CPF, who escalated it to a senior SAPS official at the police station.
This led to an intelligence-driven operation by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, resulting in the arrests of the three officers.
The case was postponed to May 8 for a formal bail application. According to SAPS, further arrests cannot be ruled out as investigations continue.
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Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests.
“The alleged actions of these members undermine the oath we took to serve and protect the public. As painful as it is to arrest our own, they must face the consequences of their actions.
“There is no place for rotten elements who betray the badge and the communities we serve. We will continue to root out criminality within our ranks without fear, prejudice, or favour,” said Mkhwanazi.
SAPS reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption within its ranks and said that any member found to be involved in criminal conduct would be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law.
