Independent Police Investigstive Directorate’s (IPID), Acting Assistant Director for Investigations, Thulani Magagula, revealed that six officers attached to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department’s Drug Unit are currently facing trial for allegedly extorting R120 000 from a Congolese businessman in Boksburg.
The officers, aged between 31 and 39, were arrested on allegations including theft and defeating the ends of justice.
The officers in question are Falaza Shirinda, Lesiba Tha, Siyabonga Yika, Cecilia Ngubeni, Kevin Seisa and Rofhiwa Neloheni.
According to IPID, the incident dates back to March 2024 when the officers reportedly stopped the businessman for a traffic violation.
After confirming his documents, they allegedly went to his home, searched it, and took R120 000 in cash.
The businessman has previously shared that he believes he was targeted because he is a foreign national.
“He described feeling traumatised by the incident and said it took months for him to recover emotionally. He said he simply wants justice, not only for himself, but for others who may have experienced similar treatment,’l” said Magagula.
Magagula told the Commission that despite IPID making recommendations to EMPD in 2024, no internal disciplinary action has been taken against the officers.
“The EMPD officials indicated they were waiting for video evidence before proceeding internally. The memory stick containing footage had been handed over, but technical assistance was needed to download and access the material,” he said.
Meanwhile, IPID is reportedly investigating thousands of cases nationally, with allegations of extortion by law enforcement becoming an increasing concern.
The six officers were arrested by IPID on 5 March 2025 and appeared in Boksburg Magustrate’s Cpurt where they were charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Each officer was granted bail of R3000.
Magagula further said that despute submitting a referral to EMPD in October 2024 , the department has yet to initiate any disciplinary actiin agaunst the officers.