The Citizen reports that national police commissioner Khehla Sitole released a statement on Wednesday detailing the arrest of various police officers.  

Five officers were arrested for their involvement in two separate cases, the one involving human trafficking and kidnapping charges and the other involving extortion.  According to the statement, a number of Silverton Flying Squad constables were arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping of ten Bangladeshi nationals who were reportedly smuggled through Zimbabwe.  Three of the four officers concerned have been arrested, with one suspect having not reported for duty yet, although Sitole promised his “arrest will be effected soon”.  Two Mamelodi officers were also arrested on allegations of extortion.  They were reportedly arrested on Tuesday night and the extortion money was recovered from them.  Sitole expressed his disappointment about the illegal activities the officers have been implicated in.  “It is disheartening when members who are entrusted with the safety of law-abiding citizens are seen to be committing crimes themselves.  While we allow for justice to take its course, the arrest of these members should serve as a warning to other law enforcement officials that criminality within our ranks will not be tolerated,” he observed.

• Read the full original of the report on the above at The Citizen

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