Brits police arrest two of their own for alleged corruption
Police in Brits have arrested two police officials who allegedly extorted money from a Zimbabwean national.
Police spokesperson Leonard Hlathi said the constables, aged 32 and 33, were arrested on Sunday after allegedly taking a bribe from a Zimbabwean farm worker.
“According to information received, a girlfriend of the Zimbabwean man apparently asked the two police officials to accompany her to go and collect her clothes in a farm outside Brits where the man works.
“While the girlfriend was busy packing her clothes, police demanded to see the passport of her boyfriend. They allegedly discovered that the passport was not stamped and he had no permission to stay in the country. They then demanded a sum of R700 in an exchange for the release of the Zimbabwean man,” Hlathi said.
“Police were informed about the ordeal and the suspects were arrested while still on duty. The alleged bribe money was discovered in the police van they were using.”
The case docket was set to be handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for further investigation. The suspects were expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon.
ANA
File photo: Gallo Images