Sasolburg cop arrested in sting after demanding R12,000 to make case ‘disappear’

Staff Reporter

A Free State detective has been arrested in an undercover sting after allegedly extorting R12,000 from a man to make an assault case disappear.

The 43-year-old Detective Sergeant was arrested behind the Sasolburg police station on Friday afternoon after allegedly accepting marked cash from the complainant during a planned entrapment operation.

Police said the detective first visited the 41-year-old complainant’s home in Zamdela on Sunday, 5 July, but found that he was not there.

He allegedly returned the following day and told the man that an assault case had been opened against him.

However, instead of dealing with the case through official channels, the detective allegedly told the complainant that “there is no case” and suggested they could “work something out” to prevent his arrest.

The complainant was allegedly pressured into transferring R2,000 to the detective by electronic funds transfer.

Police said the demands escalated on Wednesday, 8 July, when the detective allegedly returned and claimed that a prosecutor wanted a further R10,000 to drop the charges.

The complainant said he did not have the money but promised to make an arrangement, before reporting the matter to the Free State Police Anti-Corruption Unit.

A formal undercover entrapment operation was authorised and carried out on Friday.

The detective allegedly met the complainant to collect the money and was arrested immediately after the exchange.

Police said the marked entrapment cash was found in his possession.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia condemned the alleged conduct and said police would take firm action against corruption within the service.

“We will not allow the badge to be tarnished by individuals who choose to abuse their authority for personal greed,” Lesia said.

“This successful operation sends a clear message to all members that corruption will be rooted out without fear or