In a significant breakthrough, four crime intelligence officers and two civilians have been arrested in Johannesburg for serious charges including corruption, extortion, kidnapping, and assault.
The suspects allegedly kidnapped a man in January, transferred R180,000 out of his bank account, and abandoned him in Roodepoort.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Police Officer From Klerksdorp Hawks Faces Corruption And Extortion Charges
The Hawks Serious Corruption Unit confirmed that the case was registered at the Honeydew Police Station during February 2024.
According to the Hawks spokesperson, Captain Lloyd Ramovha, the unfortunate victim was approached by these police officers, who were dressed in civilian clothes, on 30 January. They detained him, drove to Fairland Police Station, and declared that they were investigating a fraud case against him.
Captain Ramovha revealed that the officers took the victim to his residence in Fourways where they assaulted him, confiscated his phone, and illicitly transferred R180,000 from his bank account into one of their accounts. The officers then abandoned the victim in Roodepoort following severe threats.
Crime Intelligence Constables Macdonald Musundwa Nethavhani, 31, Ayanda Meya, 29, Fhumulani Netsianda, 31, and Wisani Ngobeni, 31, were apprehended over the weekend. The two civilians, Ramiel Singh, 37, and Mphoto Cyril Sehoene, 28, surrendered to Hawks investigators on Monday morning.
The six suspects appeared in Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were each granted bail set at R3,000. The case has been postponed to 30 September 2024, as further investigations are ongoing.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks, lauded the efforts of the investigation team for these arrests.
He asserted, “Police officers are supposed to uphold the law and protect the public. We will spare no resources to ensure that those involved in criminal activities face the full might of the law. Let this serve as a warning to those who think they can misuse state resources for nefarious purposes.”
