Cape Town Central police station management made it clear that they have a zero tolerance approach to corruption, after three of their own were arrested for corruption, theft and defeating the administration of justice last week.
Spokesperson Captain Ezra October said members of the Anti-corruption Unit arrested three police officers, aged 34, 38 and 41 – two constables and a sergeant – from Cape Town Central on Tuesday, following an incident that took place on Sunday August 4.
It is alleged that the three police officers demanded R20 000 from a man whose car they had searched in Loop Street. The officers found cellphones in the man’s car and accused him of being in possession of suspected stolen property. They then took him to the police station and told him to go and find R20 000 in cash for his cellphones to be returned.
One of the officers gave him a number to call once he had the money.
“The complainant managed to get R5 000 and a meeting was arranged with the members. The complainant and his friend were taken to Cape Town Central and later they were allowed to go without being arrested.
“The complainant also received an SMS from the number the officers provided, claiming R20 000. He called the number and he was told that if he pays the money he will be left alone if the members see him on the street again.”
Cape Town Central station commander, Brigadier Hansia Hansraj, said the station’s management has a zero tolerance approach towards corruption. She said all police officers stationed at Cape Town Central have on several occasions been cautioned about conducting themselves in a professional and honest manner, including the three who were arrested.
“We as SAPS are not afraid to deal with perpetrators of crime within the organisation. A member’s delinquent conduct does unfortunately have a negative impact on their families and taints the image of SAPS.
“We will continue to eradicate delinquent conduct in the organisation and strive to make SAPS an employer of choice. I urge the community to continue to come forth to report any criminal conduct of SAPS members.”