9 extortion-accused officers due in Joburg court

Nine law enforcement officers are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Friday, facing charges of corruption, extortion and trespassing.

They were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Unit during operations across Gauteng.

The arrests stem from an alleged extortion incident at a warehouse in Crown Mines, where officers are accused of demanding money from a business owner.

The complainant alleges that the officers arrived at his premises, conducted a search and then threatened him with arrest over alleged expired goods unless he paid money.

Hawks investigators moved in, arresting all nine officers on the scene.

Preliminary findings suggest some of the officers operated outside their jurisdiction, while others were off duty at the time.

In a separate investigation, four more officers have been summoned to another court over a 2024 extortion case.

The Hawks said more arrests are expected as investigations continue.