Nine law enforcement officers remain behind bars over the long weekend

Photo for illustration. (Photo: X)

Nine law enforcement officers from Gauteng accused of corruption, extortion and trespassing will remain behind bars for the long weekend.

The suspects briefly appeared in the magistrate’s court in Johannesburg on Friday after they were arrested by the Hawks in several areas in the early hours of the morning on Thursday.

Six of the nine law enforcement officers are part of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Service (JMPD). Two others are police officers at Brixton police station and the last suspect is a traffic officer.

Col. Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the Hawks, says the case against them has been postponed until April 28, when they are expected to apply for bail.

Maroela Media earlier reported that the Falcons received a complaint on Wednesday that three suspects arrived at a warehouse in Crown Mines, followed by six metro police officers.

They apparently indicated that they wanted to search the warehouse.

During the search they found a box of hair dyes and one of the officers indicated that it had expired and threatened the complainant with arrest or to pay them money.

“The complainant contacted the Hawks and reported the case. Upon their arrival at the scene, all nine suspects were arrested.”

The preliminary investigation indicates that the officers carried out a search in an area outside their jurisdiction. It also came to light that four of the officers carried out a search while they were not on duty.