The JMPD Tactical Reaction Unit (TRU) arrested seven SAPS officers on October 22, 2025, who 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, which they later increased to R30 000.

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

The seven accused appeared in court again on May 26.

The case was postponed again, pending the outcome of forensic tests.

Defence attorney Miss Venter represented the accused and requested a lengthy postponement to allow time for the processing of outstanding forensic reports.

The prosecution told the court that the investigating officer confirmed the laboratory was experiencing a backlog and that work was ongoing.

The court heard that the prosecution is awaiting a Section 212 statement, as well as further investigations regarding a ballistic report and a precious metal report.

Miss Venter also raised the issue of Section 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act.

ALSO READ: 7 SAPS officers arrested for extorting zama zama to return to court

Magistrate Vele ruled that the provision was not applicable at this stage, stating that the case was not straightforward because it relied on forensic laboratory results.

The matter was postponed to June 25 to finalise the reports and proceed with the case.

Stay informed and never miss a story. Join our Joburg South WhatsApp channel for breaking news, community updates, and more: Join here.