YOUNGSTERS returning from local drinking holes, are allegedly being pulled over by cops and threatened with arrest, unless they or their parents are willing to pay for their freedom.
The allegations surfaced after a father allegedly paid R4 000 for his son’s release on two separate occasions, after he was apprehended for drunken driving.
According to reports made to the Zululand Observer, similar incidents occurred at the Tuzi Gazi Steel Bridge, Naval Island and Alkantstrand within recent months.
According to a reliable source, the modus operandi is to target party goers and youngsters with cars, money and friends.
They are tailed from restaurants and bars and arrested or threatened with arrest for possession of drugs or driving under the influence.
They are then offered a chance to ‘make a plan’, which involves officers seizing vehicles or car keys, while a friend is sent for cash or to contact parents in a typical ‘good cop, bad cop’ scenario.
On some occasions, victims were allegedly handcuffed and placed inside the van, while others were taken to the Richards Bay Police Station.
Comment
Acting Station Commander, Colonel Francois Erasmus said police corruption is viewed in an extremely serious light and should be exposed by the public.
‘We need descriptions, vehicle registration numbers, times and dates, to pinpoint the culprits.
‘The vehicles are marked on the side, to indicate which unit they belong to, such as Richards Bay, Flying Squad, Dog Unit and ORS (Operations Response Services Sea Rescue).
‘If the public supports a habit of police corruption and intimidation, it will flourish.
‘Even though a person has been driving under the influence or caught with an illegal substance, it gives no policeman the right to ask for or accept a bribe.
‘We appeal to the public to come forward, so we can investigate matters and engage the Organised Crime Unit.
‘If parents pay police to release their children, they not only create a market for corrupt members, but partake in a potential tragedy.
‘The youngster gets off scot-free and continues to drink and drive, putting himself and others at risk.
‘This is a double edged sword for parents.
‘It is not a good example for children, puts innocent lives at risk and feeds corruption.
‘There are so many hardworking members with the highest ethical values, but corrupt members drag the name of the police and their colleagues through the mud.
‘The public must assist us to fight corruption by reporting it and also letting the child take responsibility for his actions.’
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