UPDATE: EMPD officers accused of robbery, extortion out on bail  

Six EMPD Drug Unit officers were released on bail on March 10 after their arrests for allegedly defeating the ends of justice, extorting and robbing a Congolese national under aggravating circumstances.

The officers were granted R3 000 bail each in Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, with conditions to report to the Boksburg police station once a week, and that they shouldn’t interfere with the investigation or witnesses, directly or indirectly.

They are scheduled to return to court on March 25. These officers were arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on March 5 after being summoned to the EMPD’s head office in Kempton Park.

They made their first and second court appearance on March 6 and 7 before the matter was postponed to March 10.

According to IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping, the series of events involving the six constables unfolded a year ago.

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It’s alleged that on March 5, 2024, the officers stopped a Congolese national for an alleged traffic violation. They asked to see his driver’s licence and identification documents to verify whether he was in the country legally.

“He showed them the requested documents and after the verification process, they drove with him to his house in an estate in Boksburg. Here, they searched the house without a search warrant and confiscated an amount of money,” explained Suping.

Information gathered suggests that the officers allegedly forced the victim to go to his home, despite his refusal. The officers then searched the victim’s home and found R120 000 in cash, which they allegedly took.

They then took the driver to the Boksburg EMPD precinct, where they gave back his car and let him go without laying any charges against him.

Responding to a request for comment, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said while the city is aware of the arrest and the seriousness of the allegations made against the members, it will respect the process of the law.

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“Our members are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with the law. Lawlessness and criminality will not be tolerated within the EMPD. The matter is under investigation and, let’s allow the law to take its course.

“The principle of innocent until proven guilty should also be considered.”

Dlamini could not immediately confirm whether the members would be allowed to return to work or be issued letters of intent to suspend them pending the investigation of the charges against them.

“We will update you once an internal decision has been taken, but I can assure the public that departmental steps will be taken in due course.

“The department will launch its internal investigations and initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings against the implicated officers.”