The seven policemen accused of corruption in which they allegedly tried to extort R100,000 from a Phoenix businessman have been released on bail.
The seven police officers appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Simphiwe Mhlongo, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI) in KwaZulu-Natal said the accused were released on R7,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to November 7, for further investigation.
The accused are Deon Naidoo, 48, Stallone Sing, 31, Mathakene Mashabela, 54, Zakhele Makhubela, 46, Nicholas Nxuza, 50, Xolani Sishi, 50, Thamsanqa Dlamini, 43, and 41-year-old Phiwayinkosi Zulu.
Naidoo is a civilian.
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On Sunday, the Durban Serious Corruption Investigation unit members arrested three off-duty police officials and one civilian for corruption.
“The complainant alleged that he was at his shop in Phoenix when one customer entered and requested three boxes (cartons) of cigarettes, which he paid R400 for and was given his change.”
Mhlongo said a few minutes later, four suspects entered the shop and one of them introduced himself as a police official.
“He further introduced his accomplices as colleagues from Pretoria. They then searched the shop and confiscated stock of cigarettes, claiming that they were counterfeit cigarettes.
“They further demanded the owner’s firearm and drove to Phoenix police station where they demanded R100,000 gratification to release the complainant with his stock.”
Mhlongo said the complainant contacted his wife and she managed to raise an amount of R79,500.
“Hawks members were alerted and swiftly responded.”
He said a meeting point was arranged and the suspects were arrested immediately after taking the cash.