Durban – Two Durban metro police officers who allegedly asked three men to pay them money for violating lockdown regulations have been charged with corruption.
Constable Jerome Govender, 33, and Constable Themba Mbhele, 34, were arrested by the Provincial Anti-corruption Unit in Chatsworth this week.
According to KZN police, it is alleged on September 19, the accused were on duty in Chatsworth when they stopped three men and requested money indicating they have violated Covid-19 regulations.
“They demanded amounts ranging from R500 to R1 000 and those who failed to pay were placed in the back of the van until the money was paid,” said Captain Nqobile Gwala.
She said the matter was reported to Chatsworth police and a case of corruption was opened for investigation.
Gwala said the docket was transferred to Provincial Anti-corruption Unit.
Govender and Mbhele made their first appearance in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
They were granted R1 500 bail each. The case continues on January 13.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, welcomed the arrest.
“This arrest proves that no one is above the law,” he said.
IOL