By Mapaballo Borotho
- Nine law enforcement officers have been arrested in Johannesburg for alleged corruption, extortion and trespassing.
- The Hawks say the officers threatened victims and demanded money during unlawful searches.
- More arrests are expected as investigations into related incidents continue.
Police officers have been tangled in a web of corruption and extortion in Johannesburg.
The Hawks have arrested nine law enforcement officers for corruption, extortion, and trespassing. The suspects are due to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 24 April 2026.
Investigations reveal that a complaint was received about three suspects in Crown Mines, followed by six Metro police members who indicated they wanted to search a warehouse.
Upon searching, they found a box of coloured hair dye, and one of the officers indicated that it had expired and threatened the complainant with arrest unless he paid money.
“The complainant contacted the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation and reported the matter. Upon arrival at the crime scene, all nine suspects were arrested.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the police officers conducted a search in an area outside their jurisdiction. It was also discovered that four of these officers conducted a search while they were off duty,” said Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale.
Meanwhile, four members were last night issued with notices to appear in court following an around-the-clock operation by the Serious Corruption Investigation unit linked to a 2024 incident.
It is alleged that on 14 August 2024, the complainant received a call that police were at his gate.
Upon his arrival, he found two branded police vehicles, a minibus and a sedan with six occupants.
The driver of the minibus introduced himself and instructed the complainant to open the gate for them to enter. The officer indicated that they wanted to conduct a search, which the complainant allowed.
The officer then demanded money, which the complainant gave, and they left.
The complainant later went to the police station but was not assisted. As he left, he saw the same minibus parked at the court. When he approached it, the occupants sped off.
Mogale says further arrests of the outstanding suspects will be made in due course.
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