Two police officers are in the dock for corruption, kidnapping and intimidation, stemming from a failed search operation in Mitchells Plain on 22 July.

According to reports, the officers searched a house in Du Toitskloof Street, Tafelsig, for drugs and firearms, but did not find anything. Despite this, they arrested a male occupant of the house.

When the family members then contacted police to enquire about the reason for his arrest, a payment was requested for his release.

The family could, however, manage only half of the requested amount, which the officers accepted, and their family member was released.

The matter was reported to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation, which resulted in the decision to charge the members on the mentioned charges.

The conversation was recorded, which will bolster the state’s case against the officers.

A warrant of arrest was subsequently authorised by the Magistrate at Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court and one of the members, a 25-year-old constable, was arrested on Wednesday, 5 August.

The other member is currently in Gauteng, and an arrangement was made to hand himself over on 13 August.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele William Dyantyi has issued a stern warning to all members that corruption amongst the ranks of the Western Cape police will not be tolerated.

 

“If you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, you will be prosecuted.”

The constable is due to appear at the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court today, 6 August.