An operation conducted by Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Douglasdale Police Station officer.
Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, spokesperson for the Hawks, said the sting operation took place in Germiston and resulted in the arrest of a 55-year-old Lieutenant Colonel who was positively linked with extortion and corruption allegations on 7 April.
His arrest was linked to the alleged extortion and corruption which took place at a bed and breakfast in Randburg.
He and his accomplice, a police constable, allegedly demanded an amount of R60 000 from a complainant to avoid being arrested on allegations of not complying with Sars tax regulations as well as operating an illegal brothel, in March 2018.
Among the suspects, there were unknown men who introduced themselves as Sars officials. The suspects allegedly threatened to close down the business if the complainant did not meet their demands.
Mulamu said, “They allegedly forced the complainant to open his financial accounts on a laptop and they transferred R35 000 into one of the suspect’s bank accounts.”
The matter was later referred to the Hawks’ office for further investigation. Warrants of arrest were issued for the suspects’ apprehension.
The constable handed himself in at the Hawks’ office last month, appeared in court and has since been remanded in custody. Mulamu concluded that a warrant of arrest was executed for the Lieutenant Colonel’s apprehension at his home, south of Johannesburg. He appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court to face charges of corruption and extortion.
The case has been postponed to 13 April for a formal bail application.
