Seven police officers and a civilian were arrested by Hawks members attached to the Durban Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, for alleged involvement in a cigarette extortion ring.
On Sunday, three off-duty police officers and one civilian were arrested after demanding payment of R100 000 in return for confiscated cigarette stock. On Tuesday, four more police officers handed themselves over for alleged involvement in this matter.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said Hawks members had received a complaint of corruption from Phoenix.
“The complainant alleged that while he was busy at his shop, one customer entered and requested three boxes (cartons) of cigarettes. He paid R400 and was given back his change.
“They further demanded the owner’s firearm and drove to the Phoenix police station where they demanded R100 000 gratification in order to release the complainant together with his stock,” said Mhlongo.
He said that the complainant contacted his wife and she managed to raise an amount of R79 500.
“Hawks members were alerted and swiftly responded. The meeting point was arranged and the suspects were arrested immediately after taking the cash,” he said.
Mhlongo said that on Tuesday morning, four more police officials handed themselves over to the Hawks and were also charged for corruption.
“The eight suspects aged between 31 and 54 were charged for corruption. They are all expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court soon. The investigation continues and more arrests are expected,” he said.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Lesetja Senona, welcomed the arrest and applauded the members for the good work.
