DURBAN – Police officers, who allegedly set their dogs on two men and extorted money from the men's families, were due to appear in court on Friday. The officers, aged 30 and 37, were charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The officers, from the Shongweni K9 Unit, stopped the men last month during a stop and search.
Moses Dlamini, spokesman for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), said the policemen allegedly arrested and assaulted two men who were in a car together.
The men were taken to a secluded area between Westville and Reservoir Hills, where the officers allegedly set their dogs on them. One of the victims, Mthoko Mchunu, sustained serious injuries and is now in a wheelchair as his legs were damaged during the attack.
The officers allegedly made Mchunu contact his relative and ask for money to be deposited for them.
According Dlamini, the officers allegedly said if the men's families did not pay the money, they could use the money to buy him (Mchunu) a casket.
"After identifying the suspect police officers, the IPID obtained enough evidence to arrest the officers," said Dlamini.
He added that IPID was also investigating a case of intimidation and corruption against the Constables.
"It is alleged that the policemen went to one of the victims and told him to withdraw the assault case against them within three days, failing which he would be killed," he said.
Dlamini stated that the corruption relates to a demand of R10 000 made from the brother of one of the victims.
Earlier this week, the Daily News reported that a woman and her teenage daughter were found dead in their KwaDabeka home. The 42-year old woman, Lungi Ncobela, is believed to be the one who deposited monies into two accounts, given by the officers. She and her 13-year old daughter, Nontobeko Vezi, we're found in Ncobela's bedroom by a friend.
A source, close to the families, said he was extremely relieved that the officers were arrested.
"They have caused so much panic. Mthoko had to leave his home because he was scared. We are glad they have been arrested and we want justice to prevail," the source said.