Three Sedibeng Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) Police officials are facing criminal charges. The cops arrived at a scrapyard and ordered everyone to stop what they were doing and sit on the floor. They then inquired about the whereabouts of the scrapyard owner.
The workers informed them that the owner was not present and that one of the workers was in charge. They informed the complainant, the worker in charge, that they had received a tip-off about illegal activities taking place at the scrapyard. They then stated that they were going to arrest everyone present. The police instructed the complainant to contact the scrapyard owner using his cell phone. The complainant complied, took out his phone and called the owner. One of the police officers then spoke to the owner and demanded R40 000 in exchange for not arresting the workers.
The complainant informed the police that he had R10 000 in cash and handed it over to one of the Constables. The police then instructed the owner to transfer the remaining amount into one of the police official’s account. The police also seized four rolls of copper cables and informed the complainant that they were taking them to the police station.
The Gauteng PHO Anti-Corruption Unit conducted an investigation and the case docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for decision. After consideration, the Director of Public Prosecutions decided that the police Constables be prosecuted.
The summons were obtained and served to the police officials. One of the accusedis before court in a separate case on charges of corruption, theft, extortion, defeating the administration of justice and malicious damage to property.
The matter was postponed to 26 May 2025 for legal representation, back to Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court.
