Seven police officers face charges of extortion

The seven public order police arrested over alleged extortion related crimes in Milnerton are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The suspects, between the ages of 24 and 43, were arrested on Sunday in connection with allegations they extorted money from two shops owned by Chinese nationals in Milnerton.

“It is alleged that the members, accompanied by a suspect in civilian clothes, took an undisclosed amount of cash from the two shops, allegedly as protection money. After the incident was reported to police, members of the Anti-Corruption Unit and provincial detectives acted swiftly and apprehended the suspects last night (Sunday) in Milnerton while they were on duty. As the investigation unfolds, leads are pursued to identify more suspects who could also be arrested,” said police spokesperson Andrè Traut.

Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile has condemned the alleged involvement of SAPS members in extortion-related crime, saying such actions have no place in the SAPS and will be dealt with in accordance with the SAPS disciplinary regulations.

The Mpumalanga police received high praises for swiftly addressing cases of extortion reported by a woman in Kanyamazane.

Detailing the incident, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said two people were arrested over extortion related charges after the matter had been brought to the attention of the office of the provincial commissioner. The two suspects turned themselves in as officers were intensifying their investigation into the matter.

“The SAPS continues to be committed to protecting the public and men and women in Blue should always respond to community concerns. The SAPS in Mpumalanga remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety as well as security of all citizens. Citizens are encouraged to report any criminal activities, including extortion related offences or instances of extortion to the Police for immediate action,” said Mdhluli.

Mpumalanga acting police commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi said: "We consider extortion cases with the utmost seriousness, and it is imperative that such incidents are reported to the Police promptly. We expect our officers to uphold the values of law enforcement and provide assistance to all members of the public without hesitation. No individual should be denied access to justice and protection."

Cape Times