The JMPD Tactical Reaction Unit (TRU) arrested seven SAPS officers on October 22, 2025.

These officers had allegedly extorted and kidnapped an illegal miner (zama zama) they found with gold-refining materials and gold-bearing soil.

The incident unfolded when the officers reportedly demanded R5 000 from the miner, later increasing the amount to R30 000.

They allegedly took him to a loan facility to secure the payment, but the TRU intervened and made the arrests.

All of the accused were released on bail.

The case is ongoing, with the next court date on April 17 for the ballistics forensic science laboratory report.

Defense attorney Nastasja Otrebski will be on maternity leave, so the case will be handled by Miss Spencer, a colleague of Otrebski’s.

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