SASOLBURG.- A 43-year-old Detective Sergeant is expected to appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court today facing charges of corruption and extortion after allegedly turning his badge into a money-making scheme.

The officer was caught in an undercover anti-corruption sting on Friday afternoon behind the Sasolburg Police Station.

Moments after receiving marked cash from an entrapment operation, anti-corruption officers swooped in, arrested him on the spot, and recovered the money in his possession.

The arrest follows an incident that began on July 5, when the detective visited the Zamdela home of a 41-year-old man. Returning the next day, the officer informed the man that an assault case had been opened against him.

Instead of following proper legal procedures, the detective allegedly offered an illegal shortcut, convincing the man that they could work something out to prevent an arrest.

Under alleged pressure from the officer, the complainant transferred R2 000 via EFT. However, the detective allegedly returned on July 8 demanding a further R10 000, claiming extra cash was needed to pay a prosecutor to withdraw the case officially.

Unable to raise the money, the complainant reported the officer to the Free State Police Anti-Corruption Unit. Investigators immediately launched an undercover entrapment operation.

Free State Police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said the operation dealt a decisive blow against corruption within the police service.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia strongly condemned the detective’s actions, stating that the SAPS has zero tolerance for corruption within its own ranks. He emphasised that they will not allow the badge to be tarnished by individuals who abuse authority for personal gain, while praising the unit for acting swiftly to hunt down corrupt officers without fear or favour.