2 JMPD officers arrested for allegedly extorting R8k from motorist
The complainant said the officers stopped his vehicle, accusing him of fleeing an accident scene.
A Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) vehicle. Pciture: Facebook/RosebankJoburg
JOHANNESBURG - Two Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers have been arrested for allegedly extorting R8,000 from a motorist.
The complainant said the officers stopped his vehicle, accusing him of fleeing an accident scene.
He said the officers demanded money to be paid for him to avoid arrest.
Once the money was paid to the two officers, the driver called law enforcement to report the matter.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said their internal affairs team tracked down the officers' vehicle in Parktown.
“JMPD internal affairs quickly tracked the vehicle to a BP garage in Parktown, where three officers were located. A search of the officers and their vehicle uncovered R5,340 from two male officers, much of which could not be accounted for and was suspected to be illicitly obtained. Some of the money was found concealed within the vehicle.”
Fihla said the officers are facing charges of extortion and corruption.
JMPD chief of police commissioner Patrick Jaca said, "The arrest of these two officers sends a clear message: there is no place for corruption within the JMPD. We are unwavering in our commitment to rooting out corrupt elements and ensuring that our officers serve with integrity and honour. We urge the public to continue reporting any suspicious activities, as their vigilance is crucial in helping us maintain a trustworthy police service."