Two sergeants from KwaZulu-Natal are set to appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing allegations of extortion.
The officers were arrested on Friday by the province’s Anti-Corruption Unit for allegedly demanding money from operators of illegal shebeens and sellers of illicit cigarettes in the Amaoti area.
The pair are currently facing four counts of extortion, with authorities indicating additional charges may be added. Investigators allege the sergeants approached victims while identifying themselves as police officers and demanded payments in exchange for avoiding arrest.
On 14 January, residents reportedly confronted the officers and took them to a local satellite police station, expressing outrage over the alleged misconduct.
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal’s Police Commissioner, stressed the need for internal accountability.
“There are a few individuals who are tarnishing the name of the police, and we must deal with them from within and get rid of them. We cannot have police who are in cahoots with criminals,” Mkhwanazi said, highlighting the importance of integrity in law enforcement.
The case is set to proceed on Monday as the province continues efforts to crack down on corruption within the force.