Two suspects, both aged 50 – a Gauteng Traffic Police official and a civilian – appeared before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 31 July, following their arrest on Tuesday, 29 July, on charges of extortion and corruption.
The case stems from a complaint lodged by a business owner in Lenasia South Extension 1, who reports that the officer visits the premises monthly, falsely claiming that the business’s operating licences are not valid. The officer allegedly demands R10 000 per month as a bribe to avoid shutting down the business.
On Tuesday, 29 July it is further alleged that the traffic official together his accomplice visited the business premises where they arrested one of the employees, later released the employee and took the businesses operating certificates as well as and an amount of R3000 from the business’s petty cash and informed the owner that they’d return the certificates upon receiving the R7000 balance.
The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation which led to the subsequent arrest of the suspects at Zakariyya Park after the pair received the requested balance from the complainant.
The pair will made their first appearance before the Lenasia Magistrate Court where they face charges of extortion and corruption.
Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has commended the investigation team for their diligence and dedication in making sure they apprehend the suspects and further gave a stern warning to law enforcement officials who demand gratification from members of the public.
Image: iStock
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