ON JUNE 24, a joint operation by the SAPS, metro police, and private security companies raided a scrapyard in Isipingo for drugs and stolen copper.

Also read: Doonside operation nets suspected copper thief

According to a security officer who asked to remain anonymous, the owner of the scrapyard ran away just minutes before the police arrived.

“It looked like he may have been tipped off about our arrival, but some incriminating evidence was found,” said the officer.

From the owner’s office, the operation allegedly uncovered records of transactions for drugs, scrap metal, as well as what is suspected to be a list of bribes paid to the police. The records showed handwritten entries for “night polices” and “afternoon polices” collecting between R100 and R150 each. It is suspected that the entries are records of bribes paid to the police for protection.

The police indicated that an investigation has been launched, with a focus on the alleged payoffs and possible involvement of corrupt police officers. The manhunt for the scrapyard owner is ongoing.

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