The trio, who work at the Klerksdorp crime prevention unit, are due to appear again in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 12 May. (Photo: Janice du Plessis/Maroela Media)
Three members of the police in Klerksdorp appeared in court this week, after allegedly targeting foreign business owners and demanding bribes from them.
Const. Itumeleng Moseki (39), const. Fungile Advocate Yelani (28) is a Reserve Const. Joseph Themba Tshele (47) robbed an elk of R2 000 on the city train.
The trio, who work at the Klerksdorp crime prevention unit, are due to appear again in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 12 May.
It is alleged that the officers visited foreign businessmen between December and March under the pretext of inspecting permits and passports. They would then demand cash to prevent the owners from being arrested.
The three constables were arrested on March 26 by the provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU).
Col. Adèle Myburgh, police spokesperson, says a specific incident on March 12 led to the investigation.
“In one of the cases reported on Thursday 12 March, a victim and his family member were apparently at their shop when the accused visited them. After the victim could only provide a copy of his passport, he was detained in a police vehicle.”
While the victim was being held, the officers reportedly searched the store and stole electronic cigarettes (vapes). According to Myburgh, the victim was taken to the police station, but no official charges were laid against him.
“The victim was transported to the Klerksdorp police station and money was demanded from his family member to release him. The victim was later released by the accused, after money was handed over to them. The matter was then reported to the ACIU, which determined that no case had been brought against the victim,” says Myburgh.
The acting provincial police commissioner, Maj. Gen. (dr.) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his shock at the officers’ actions.
“The members’ behavior was dishonest. It undermines public trust and will not go unpunished.”
The police suspect that the three accused may be connected to similar cases, as the investigation progresses.