GAUTENG. – A sergeant attached to the Sedibeng K9 unit, along with another sergeant, a constable, and two civilians, were nabbed in connection with alleged corruption, defeating the ends of justice, conspiracy to commit a crime, theft, and kidnapping.

This occurred after the five suspects handed themselves over at the Serious Corruption Investigation offices on Monday, January 29. The warrants were issued for allegations of corruption, defeating the ends of justice, conspiracy to commit a crime, theft, and kidnapping in Johannesburg.

Spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela reports: “In June 2022, a complaint was received by members of the Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) from a complainant who alleges that police officials, driving in a marked police vehicle, stopped him and demanded he take them to his apartment.

“Upon arrival, the complainant and his apartment were searched. During the search, the officers are alleged to have taken the complainant’s luxury watch valued at R 700 000, traffic registers, driver’s license, and liquor without his permission.

The officers are then alleged to have demanded the complainant transfer R 150 000 into a standard bank account in exchange for his belongings that were taken.”

Mavimbela states that a bag, driver’s license, and traffic registers were found in the private vehicle belonging to one of the suspects.

“The suspects made their first appearance before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on January 29, and four of the suspects were granted bail of R 5 000 each. The matter is postponed to February 5, 2024.”
The case against one other suspect was remanded for a formal bail application.

Provincial Head Major General Ebrahim Kadwa commended the investigating officer for a meticulous investigation and sends a strong warning to police officers to desist from corruption and complicity.