Six officers from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) have been arrested for allegedly extorting R120,000 from a Congolese businessman in March 2024.
EMPD officers jailed for extortion: Here’s what we know
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) carried out the arrests, charging the officers with robbery with aggravating circumstances, extortion, and obstruction of justice.
According to authorities, the officers—one female and five males—were detained at Boksburg Police Station.
The businessman, who had been in South Africa for a month on business, claims he withdrew R350,000 from FNB to purchase a vehicle for a client in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He kept receipts from each withdrawal to account for the cash.
Speaking to eNCA, he described how EMPD officers first tried to verify his immigration status before taking him into custody and searching his home.
“They said, ‘We knew you were doing funny business. How come you have R350,000?’” he recalled.
The officers allegedly found the money, took R120,000, and insisted on splitting it among themselves.
They confiscated his phone, handcuffed him, and transported him from the complex before returning him to his vehicle.
He claims he was released at gunpoint and instructed to leave.
Following the incident, the businessman reported the matter, prompting an IPID investigation. The six officers were taken into custody and now face multiple charges.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the stolen money has been recovered.
The officers are expected to appear in court soon, where further details about the case will emerge.
Watch footage of the epic arrest below: