A major scandal engulfing the Western Cape Police has deepened, with twelve officers now implicated in an alleged extortion ring targeting Chinese-owned businesses in Milnerton.
The arrests, made over the weekend of 6-7 October, represent a significant blow to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and highlight escalating concerns about corruption within its ranks.
Eleven individuals – initially reported as seven public order police officers, a former officer, and three civilians – were apprehended in the initial wave of arrests. However, further investigations have led to the arrest of an additional officer, bringing the total number of police officers involved to twelve. These officers, aged between 24 and 43, were apprehended on Sunday evening, 6 October, and the following day.
Police spokesperson Colonel André Traut detailed the allegations surrounding the initial arrests.
"It's alleged that the members, accompanied by a suspect in civilian clothes, took an undisclosed amount of cash from the two shops, allegedly as protection money. After the incident was reported to the police, members of the Anti-Corruption Unit and Provincial Detectives acted swiftly and apprehended the suspects in Milnerton while they were on duty. As the investigation unfolds, leads are pursued to identify more suspects who could also be arrested," said Colonel André Traut.
Colonel Traut confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that detectives are diligently preparing the case docket for the upcoming court appearance.
"While the investigation is still underway, detectives are preparing the case docket for the suspects' court appearance… where they will face charges of extortion, business robbery and corruption," he stated.
This latest development further underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for wider implications within the SAPS. Recent reports highlight similar incidents, including the arrest of four police officers following a house robbery in Llandudno, where they allegedly stole jewellery worth millions. Separately, Constable Joshua Makhaye from Cato Manor in Durban appeared in court after being found in possession of a bank card belonging to the victim of a carjacking that tragically resulted in the death of 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy.
The series of arrests has intensified calls for comprehensive lifestyle audits of police officers.
Calvin Rafadi, a forensic investigator at security firm Bizz Tracers, stressed the need for thorough scrutiny: "Many syndicates do not operate without the police helping them. Their cellphones and bank accounts must be scrutinised immediately after every arrest. Audit police lifestyles for the past 12 months, and you will be shocked to find that they are in cahoots with criminals."
Rights activist Advocate Mary de Haas echoed these sentiments, pointing to deeper systemic issues within the SAPS: "It's linked, from recruitment to some management and I deal with many decent police trying to do their jobs properly who are victimised by incompetent and corrupt seniors. It is a huge problem. I believe that there needs to be not only qualifications verification but, in some cases, lifestyle audits of management as there is a lack of accountability, for example, when firearms go missing. It is easy to get away with corruption within the SAPS."
Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile issued a strong condemnation of the officers' actions, reiterating that those involved in criminal activities will face the full force of disciplinary regulations.
"Offenders have no place in the police and would be dealt with in accordance with disciplinary regulations," he declared.
Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, welcomed the arrests, commending the investigators and expressing her deep concern about the growing evidence of police complicity in criminal activities.
"I commend investigators for apprehending the suspects, and for not hesitating to act against their colleagues. At the same time, I take a dim view of growing indications of brazen police complicity in crime. If these allegations are proven true in a court of law, they must be dealt with accordingly," Marais stated.
"Such action, if proven, can't stand. The Western Cape government supports work done by the SAPS to rid society of criminals."
The arrests of twelve officers represent a significant escalation in the scandal, raising serious questions about the integrity and effectiveness of the SAPS. The ongoing investigations and subsequent court proceedings will be crucial in uncovering the full extent of the alleged criminal network and ensuring accountability.
