Pretoria – A 55-year-old police captain attached to the Kraaifontein SAPS was arrested on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, on charges of corruption, extortion, and intimidation. This follows the zero-tolerance approach towards corruption within the SAPS ranks, emphasized by the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile.

According to South African Police Service, the preliminary investigation revealed that the officer received a substantial payment in July 2023 from a local spaza shop owner for uninterrupted business operations. In October 2023, the officer allegedly demanded and received additional payments. The shop owner reported the matter, leading to a criminal investigation against the officer. When the officer learned of the case, he threatened the complainant to withdraw the charges.

The Director of Public Prosecution, on 21 November 2023, decided to charge the officer with extortion and intimidation. A warrant for his arrest was issued and executed at his workplace. He is currently detained and due to appear in the Bluedown’s Magistrates’ court on Friday, 24 November 2023.

Lt Gen Patekile reiterated the commitment to fighting corruption within SAPS and encouraged the public to report corruption or extortion.