Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has commended the investigation that led to the recent arrest of a Department of Employment and Labour employee for corruption and extortion.

This comes after the team of investigators on Friday nabbed a 35-year-old suspect in Germiston on charges of corruption and extortion following an intelligence-driven operation.

Provincial spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, said a team comprising members from SAPS Gauteng Provincial Head Office Organised Crime Investigations: Anti-Gang Unit, Kidnapping Unit and Tracking Team operationalised information they obtained on criminal activities involving the said employee.

“The employee allegedly regularly demanded “spot fines” from a construction company for alleged non-compliance. The matter was brought to the attention of the police by the complainant where after the investigation immediately commenced.

“The suspect visited the construction site again on Friday to collect money from the complainant then subsequently the team apprehended the suspect. He was found in possession of cash he had demanded from the complainant,” said Masondo.

In another incident, two members of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) were on Sunday arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe from a member of the public for driving above the speed limit in Centurion.

Further investigation is still underway while the suspects are expected to appear before a Magistrates’ court soon.

“Police in Gauteng have a zero tolerance policy against corruption and extortion, especially if the perpetrator is a government employee. Our members will leave no stone unturned in bringing any perpetrator of corruption to book,” said Lt Gen Mawela.

Source: South African Government News Agency