Polokwane - Two police officers were arrested in Polokwane for alleged corruption, Limpopo police said on Wednesday.
One of the warrant officers, aged 51, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon while the other was arrested on Wednesday morning, said Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.
Earlier this year, a man went to the police station to do a criminal record check as he was applying for a job.
“The results came back showing that he had a clear record. However, shortly thereafter the complainant received a call from the 51-year-old warrant officer stating that his ID book is duplicated with another person who is currently serving a prison sentence,” said Mulaudzi.
The officer allegedly told the man that he had to pay R15 000 to clear his record.
The man paid the amount to the officer but earlier this month, the other officer demanded a further R5 000 to dispose of the fraudulent identity case.
“A sting operation by the anti-corruption team led to a set-up where the money was exchanged between the complainant and suspect which preceded to the arrest of the 51-year-old member, and his 48-year-old accomplice was arrested,” said Mulaudzi.
The pair would appear in the Seshego Magistrate's Court soon and would face charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
In a separate case, a 29-year-old constable, also attached to Polokwane police station, was arrested for allegedly robbing a petrol station.
“According to information the incident happened in the early morning hours of Tuesday when the constable left his post at the community service centre to presumably go and buy food,” said Mulaudzi.
He put clothes over his uniform and allegedly robbed the shop that was attached to the petrol station.
“However, he was exposed when the complainant came to the police station to report the robbery and found the constable behind the desk.
“He identified him as the suspect and the constable was arrested.”
The constable would appear in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court soon.
Sapa