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Western Cape Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit arrests Kraaifontein Police Officer for extortion and intimidation

The zero tolerance approach by the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile towards corruption within the ranks of the South African Police Service in the Western Cape after issuing a stern warning to all SAPS employees in the province earlier this week, is still bearing fruit following the arrest of a 55 year old captain attached to Kraaifontein SAPS on Wednesday, 22 November 2023. He faces charges relating to corruption, extortion and intimidation.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the officer received a substantial payment during July 2023 from the owner of a spaza shop in the area in exchange to operate his business without interference. It is further alleged that the officer again visited the owner during the month of October 2023, demanding numerous payments of which the owner paid a certain amount to him in order to keep his business open for operations.

The owner of the spaza shop then lodge a complaint at the Kraaifontein SAPS who initiated a criminal investigation against the member. When the officer became aware of the case against him, he went back and threatened the complainant to withdraw the criminal case against him. This matter was also reported to the local police in aggravation of the extortion case, already under investigation.

The matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecution on Tuesday, 21 November 2023 who made a decision that the member be charged with Extortion and Intimidation. As a result a warrant for the arrests for the officer was issued and executed on Wednesday, 22 November 2023 at the work place of the officer.

The officer is currently in detention and scheduled to appear in the Bluedown’s Magistrates’ court on mentioned charges on Friday, 24 November 2023.

Lt Gen Patekile again issued a stern to warning to members that concerted efforts to fight corruption within SAPS will continue with the aim to restore the reputation and image of the South African Police Service. He encourage members of the public to report all forms of corruption / extortion to the Extortion Hotline at 0800 31 44 44, alternatively, Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

SAPS Newsroom

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