A Gauteng traffic officer and a civilian accomplice have been arrested on charges of extortion and corruption. The two, both aged 50, are expected to appear in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The arrests follow a complaint from a business owner who said the officer had been making monthly visits to his premises, claiming the business’s operating licenses were not valid. According to the business owner, the official demanded a monthly payment of R10,000 to avoid shutting the business down.
Earlier this week, the officer and his associate reportedly showed up at the business again. They arrested an employee—who was later released—confiscated operating certificates, and took R3,000 in cash. The officer allegedly told the owner that the documents would only be returned once the remaining R7,000 was paid.
The matter was reported to authorities, and an undercover operation was set up. The two suspects were arrested shortly after receiving the balance of the money in Zakariyya Park.
Officials praised the swift response and work of the investigation team, which helped bring the suspects to justice.