Two City of Cape Town law enforcement officers from the Metal Theft Unit have been arrested on charges of corruption, extortion, and business robbery. The arrests were carried out on Tuesday morning.
The officers are accused of targeting foreign-owned spaza shops, demanding asylum documentation from shop owners, and using their authority to carry out alleged criminal acts. According to the City, the incidents under investigation date back to January.
In one case, the officers allegedly stole cigarettes valued at more than R600 000 from a victim’s vehicle during an arrest.
City Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said the Safety and Security Directorate is taking firm action.
“The directorate is committed to rooting out corrupt and criminal elements that have infiltrated our enforcement services. We will not hesitate to investigate and act when wrongdoing is uncovered,” he said.
Dyason confirmed that both officers will be suspended as internal disciplinary processes proceed, adding that the matter is being handled in line with City policies.
The investigation is ongoing.