A Mpumalanga police officer who allegedly attempted to extort money from a suspect was arrested for corruption.
Xolani Sibiya of the White River SAPS branch allegedly sought a R1 000 bribe from a theft suspect who had been released on warning, provincial Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said in a statement on Thursday.
Sibiya reportedly told the suspect that he had convinced the prosecutor to dismiss the matter.
Suspect reports allegedly corrupt officer to Hawks
When the suspect did not have the cash during their encounter on Wednesday, he promised to have it by Thursday.
Instead, he informed the Hawks, leading to Sibiya’s arrest. Nkosi said he is due to appear at the White River Magistrate’s Court soon.
Provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber, condemned the officer’s conduct.
“Our members are reminded regularly to live by the SAPS code of conduct. They are there to serve and protect. We will ensure that justice is served, and our investigation will be conducted without fear or favour,” he said.
