Police arrest 5 of their own
Three police officers were arrested on Wednesdaty in connection with the kidnapping of ten Bangladeshi nationals.
National police spokesperson, Vish Naidoo, says three members of the Silverton Flying Squad - who were a part of a group of four officers - demanded ransom in exchange for the foreign nationals’ freedom.
Police are searching for the fourth suspect, who has not reported for duty since the arrest of his accomplices.
Naidoo says two families managed to pay the ransom money.
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"Four days later, on March 31, two out of the 10 victims were released after their families had paid a ransom.
“National crime intelligence worked tirelessly with investigators on this case and identified four Silverton Flying Squad constables that are alleged to have kidnapped the victims."
Naidoo says they are also still searching for the eight other victims.
In a separate incident, two police officers from a stabilisation intervention unit in Mamelodi were arrested on Tuesday amid allegations of extortion.
"A man, allegedly a drug dealer contacted the SAPS anti-corruption unit and informed them that police members are demanding money from him.
The two members, one from Silverton SAPS the other from the provincial anti-gang unit were arrested at a restaurant in Silverton last night and the ‘extortion’ money was recovered from them."
Naidoo says all five police officers are in custody and will be appearing in court soon.