Free State Police arrests sergeant on corruption charges (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
Free State Police arrested a police sergeant on suspicion of corruption.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareri said the officer was suspected of soliciting money from customers who had applied to have their criminal records expunged.
The customer made a standard payment of R80 and R170 and received a receipt for it.
Kareri said the officer allegedly demanded payment of R300 in two payments, which were not recorded in the SAPS system, raising suspicions that the officer's actions were illegal.
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“The complainant handed over the amount to the Sergeant but did not receive a receipt. On April 5, 2024, the victim went to Park Road SAPS to check on the progress of her application and again met with the Sergeant. “The victim was dissatisfied and asked about the large amount of money he had to pay,” Carelli said.
Carelli said an investigation by the police's anti-corruption unit led to the arrest of the police officer.
He is scheduled to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
Mr Carelli urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious police conduct.
“The public is urged to ensure that they receive an invoice clearly stating the amount paid for their services from the Treasury Department. If you have paid an official and have not received an official invoice, Please be aware that you may be a victim of 'corruption,''' he said.