NPA refuses to withdraw charges against 7 SAPS officers accused of extortion
The officers are accused of kidnapping and demanding up to R30 000 from an alleged illegal miner. The case has been postponed to November 18.
The JMPD Tactical Reaction Unit arrested seven SAPS officers on October 24, 2025, for allegedly extorting and kidnapping an illegal miner found in possession of gold-refining materials and gold-bearing soil.
The incident unfolded when the officers reportedly demanded R5 000 from the miner, later increasing it to R30 000.
Representations to withdraw
Defence attorney Pillay proposed that the case be withdrawn against the seven accused, as the lab-testing evidence had not yet been presented in court.
The state declined to withdraw charges against the seven accused policemen.
This is contained in a letter dated October 26 from the senior public prosecutor at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court, MT Gudiwa, responding to representations to withdraw the charges.
The letter outlines the charges of corruption and assault GBH in the state versus the seven accused SAPS officers.
State refuses withdrawal
In the letter, the NPA acknowledges receipt of the defence’s representations but states that it cannot withdraw the charges against the accused.
“The state cannot withdraw the charges against the accused as there is an overwhelming case against them. All the concerns raised by the defence can be raised during the trial and cross-examination of the state witnesses,” the letter states.
The NPA concludes that the representations are unsuccessful and that the matter should proceed in court.
The NPA senior public prosecutor in Johannesburg stamped the letter.
Magistrate Vele then postponed the case to November 18.
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