In a significant crackdown on corruption within South Africa’s police ranks, the JMPD Tactical Reaction Unit arrested seven members of the SAPS Public Order Unit in Booysens, Johannesburg south, on October 22.

The members are facing charges of corruption, extortion, and kidnapping.

According to reports, the arrested officers were involved in a scheme in which they transported a zama zama (illegal miner) to a loan shark and were allegedly set to receive R30 000 for their involvement.

The operation highlights the ongoing challenge of corruption within law enforcement agencies in South Africa, particularly relating to illegal mining activities.

The incident has also sparked discussion on crime awareness and the need for integrity within security forces.

The SAPS in Gauteng has confirmed that decisive action has been taken against the implicated officers. The members of the Public Order Police allegedly extorted a man in possession of material believed to be unrefined gold.

The SAPS Provincial Anti-Corruption team is investigating the matter, and the accused officers are expected to appear before the Booysens Magistrate’s Court soon.

The man they allegedly extorted will also face charges for contravening the Precious Metals Act.

Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, provincial commissioner of SAPS in Gauteng, welcomed the arrests and assured that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly.

“I have faith that the Anti-Corruption Unit will conduct a diligent investigation that ensures that criminality and corruption are rooted out of the service,” he said.