PRETORIA – A 41-year-old Crime Intelligence police officer is expected to appear in the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, 19 May 2022 on allegations of extortion, defeating the ends of justice and corruption. She was arrested by the Pretoria based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team yesterday.
It is alleged that last month, the suspect and her two accomplices who are not police officers went to a man who was arrested in 2010 in The Orchards and instructed him to pay them R10 000 for those charges to ‘disappear’. The complainant paid R10 000 for a matter that was withdrawn by court in 2013. They all pretended to be police officers and she introduced herself as a Lieutenant Colonel whereas she is a Warrant Officer.
The suspects further demanded R9000 then the complainant reported the matter to the Hawks for investigation. An undercover operation was conducted on 13 May 2022 where they were confronted but they managed to flee. The suspect’s personal vehicle was recovered not far from the scene since they abandoned it and fled in another getaway vehicle.
The suspect was later arrested and the arrest of her accomplices is imminent as the investigation is continuing. She might face further charges since the reports against her are mounting.
The Hawks’ National Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya expressed his abhorrence at the corrupt officials who are bent to ruining the reputation of the SAPS. “We will ensure that we deal with corrupt officers so that they can face the full might of law for their deeds. Members of the public should always remember that they should never pay police officials as they provide free service to the community. The determination of the Serious Corruption Investigation team is commended,” concluded Lt Gen Lebeya.
