By Everson Luhanga
Police have made big arrests in corruption cases involving police, the construction mafia, and government officials nationwide.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the Hawks arrested seven police officers and one civilian for corruption. They allegedly demanded R100,000 from a shop owner to free him and return his goods.
Lieutenant-Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said: “The complainant alleged that while he was busy at his shop, a customer entered and requested three boxes [cartons] of cigarettes. He paid R400 and was given back his change.
“A few minutes later, four suspects entered the shop, and one of them introduced himself as a police official.”
The officers, claiming to be from Pretoria, searched the shop and arrested the owner. They later asked for money to let him go.
“The complainant contacted his wife, and she managed to raise an amount of R79,500,” Mhlongo added.
Hawks members quickly arrested the suspects after they took the money. The eight accused, aged 31 to 54, face corruption charges and will go to court soon.
In Johannesburg, police arrested four people for trying to extort money from a construction company.
The suspects, thought to be part of a “construction mafia”, demanded 30% of the company’s income to let work continue at a petrol station site.
In Cape Town, former city official Malusi Booi was arrested in a corruption case involving housing tenders and organised crime.
Booi, fired in 2023 after his office was raided, is one of eight people arrested in different cities.
The arrests are part of a bigger investigation into construction mafia activities in Cape Town, involving gang connections, especially the 28s gang. The scandal has affected many city projects and staff.
Pictured above: Hawks arrested cops for corruption.
Source: Supplied
