PRESS RELEASE
18 MAY 2026
Three South African Police Service (SAPS) officials stationed at Pretoria West Police Station appeared before the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption worth R10 000 and extortion. The accused, Constable Lionel Macoba (25), Sergeant Vincent Messiah Ndhlovu (44), and Sergeant Peaceful Evgenate Mnisi (38), were each granted bail of R5 000.
It is alleged that the three accused were investigating a case involving two Tshwane Metro Police Department officials suspected of kidnapping and extortion. According to the allegations, on 05 May 2026, the accused met with one of the complainants at a shopping complex in Philip Nel Park. During the meeting, the complainant contacted his colleague, who was also implicated in the kidnapping and extortion matter. It is alleged that the three accused demanded R50 000 from the complainants in exchange for them not being arrested. The following day, the complainants met with members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) and explained the alleged incident. They were advised to engage further with the accused. Later that day, one of the complainants informed his attorney, who subsequently reported the matter to the SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit.
On 08 May 2026, the complainants allegedly received a call from the accused requesting a meeting at Pretoria West Police Station. During the meeting, the complainants negotiated for the amount to be reduced from R50 000 to R30 000, and an agreement was allegedly reached. On 14 May 2026, members of the Anti-Corruption Unit conducted an entrapment operation. The complainants, accompanied by police officials, proceeded to a restaurant in Montana, where they met with the accused. It is alleged that an amount of R10 000 was handed over to the accused before they were arrested at the scene.
The State did not oppose bail, as the accused were not considered flight risks. The matter was postponed to 27 July 2026 for further investigations and a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Issued by:
Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division: Pretoria
lmahanjana@npa.gov.za
073 002 0000