The arrests were made on May 6 at the N4 highway. The men have been charged with theft and corruption related charges, after they allegedly confiscated a rhino horn and demanded a bribe.
The policemen were on duty when they stopped five suspects and searched their vehicle. When searching the vehicle, the policemen found a rhino horn and demanded a payment of R50 000 in exchange of returning it.
The five suspects handed themselves over to the members of the Organised Crime Unit and told them in detail what had happened. They also agreed to testify against the policemen in court when they appear for their bail application. In addition to their corruption related charges, a cell phone belonging to one of the five suspects was also stolen.
The policemen have since been suspended pending an investigation. Police spokesperson Colonel Leonard Hlathi said corruption is a big crime, especially if it’s committed by a member of the police service. “We as police are supposed to be the watchdog of the community, we must set an example,” said Col Hlathi.
The police will reappear in court for their bail application on Monday, May 18 at Middelburg Magistrate’s Court.
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