GAUTENG – The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya applauded the swift apprehension of the two suspects charged with extortion and corruption in Pretoria yesterday. It is alleged that the suspects aged 38 and 41 approached the complainant and introduced themselves as Hawks investigators from the Pretoria office, demanded an enticement of R300 000 in order to destroy the case docket against him as well as handing over his vehicle and refugee documents. The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in Germiston for further probe. Yesterday, the investigation team conducted a sting operation at Time Square in Menlyn Pretoria where the two bogus police officers were arrested in possession of the R40 000 entrapment cash. The duo were subsequently charged with extortion and corruption and expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ court on Monday, 14 March 2022. More charges cannot be ruled out. Lieutenant General Lebeya appreciated the public for bringing information of persons who demand gratification in the name of the police. “The community is reminded that the police services are free and no police officer is allowed to demand a cent from the public in exchange of our services. It must also be known that anyone who demand payment is not the member of the HAWKS or greater SAPS. Our organisation does not have the capacity to make case docket disappear and that once the suspect is charged and appeared in the court of law, a ruling must be made for the offence committed”. The public is urged to report such matters with authorities for further investigation. Source: South African Police Service