Five police sergeants attached to the Vanderbijlpark SAPS Task Team have appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Regional Court on charges of corruption and extortion.
The accused, aged between 36 and 45, were granted a postponement until 13 July for further investigation.
According to the Hawks, the case stems from an October 2024 raid at the Oreo Supermarket, where the officers allegedly demanded R100,000 from the business owner to avoid an arrest during a search for illicit cigarettes. The amount was later allegedly reduced to R25,000 following negotiations.
The business owner alerted the Hawks’ Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation unit, prompting an undercover operation. Although the suspects did not collect the money, investigators continued probing the matter, with allegations of threats and intimidation against the complainant also added to the case.
Following the investigation, the Director of Public Prosecutions authorised criminal charges, and the five officers were summoned to court.
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