GAUTENG – The Germiston based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team arrested a 37-year-old police Constable, Soja Tshabalala on extortion and corruption allegations yesterday, he subsequently appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on the same day.
It is alleged that on 02 March 2018, Tshabalala, who is attached to the Vaal Rand Flying Squad was in uniform, driving a police marked vehicle in the company of three unknown civilians who pretended to be South African Revenue Services (SARS) officials. The group targeted a local Bed and Breakfast establishment in Randburg, they demanded an amount of R60 000 from the owner after they threatened to arrest him for failing to comply with the tax regulations and accused him of operating a brothel.
They further allegedly threatened to close down the business if the owner did not give in to their demands. The reluctant owner was allegedly forced to open his financial account on a laptop wherein R35 000 was transferred into one of the suspects’ bank account.
The matter was referred to the Hawks for further investigation which resulted in a warrant of arrest being issued for Tshabalala who consequently handed himself in at the Hawks’ offices. Investigation is ongoing and the rest of the suspects will soon be accounted for.
Tshabalala has been remanded in custody and the matter was postponed to 30 March 2021 for a formal bail application and further investigation.