A 51-year-old police colonel appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday following his arrest on alleged corruption in Sophiatown.
Four men, linked with the crime aged between 29 and 63, were also arrested in Westbury, Newclare and Riverlea respectively.
The colonel was arrested just after he reported for duty at the Sophiatown Police Station.
A statement later released by James Lorimer Member of Parliament for Democratic Alliance mentions that this incident casts doubt on the credibility of policing in the area.
“The management of the Sophiatown police station and the MEC of Community Safety held a meeting on crime in Westbury less than a week ago.
“At that meeting the community was assured that there was no evidence that police were colluding with drug dealers,” said Lorimer.
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (HAWKS) said three men were remanded in custody.
“Three men will remain in custody until October 19, where they can make a formal application for bail.
“The fourth will appear in court on Tuesday October 13, whilst the colonel involved was released on R5000 bail and will appear in court on November 12 to allow further police investigations,” said Mulaudzi.