Two Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers have been arrested for allegedly extorting R8,000 from a motorist in Johannesburg. The complainant alleges the officers stopped his vehicle, accusing him of fleeing an accident scene, and demanded payment to avoid arrest.

After paying the officers, the motorist reported the incident to law enforcement. JMPD’s internal affairs unit located the officers’ vehicle at a BP garage in Parktown. A search revealed R5,340 in cash, much of it unaccounted for and suspected to be illicitly obtained, with some hidden in the vehicle.

The Department’s spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the officers face charges of extortion and corruption. Chief commissioner Patrick Jaca condemned the officers’ actions, stating, “There is no place for corruption within the JMPD. We are committed to rooting out corrupt elements and urge the public to report suspicious activities to help maintain a trustworthy police service.”