Last night on 8 July 2009 members of the newly established Hawks arrested a 45 year old police inspector on charges of kidnapping, extortion and corruption. His arrest was followed by the arrest this afternoon (9 July 2009) of his accomplice, a 50 year old police inspector. Both members are attached to the Detective Services of Kuils River police station. They are due to make a court appearance on Monday, 13 July 2009 in the Cape Town Magistrates court.
The arrest of the members is a result of an investigation into the illegal activities of the members, following an incident where a person who advertised his vehicle for sale was lured into a deal with the suspects. They acted as potential buyers of the vehicle, and then allegedly planted fake diamonds in the vehicle.When the seller left with his vehicle, he was confronted by the suspects and extorted to pay a substantial amount to prevent prosecution. He was also taken to a location to collect the money, which is regarded as the kidnapping act.
Corruption within our ranks will not be tolerated, and every endeavour will be made to root out these phenomena, so that perpetrators will face the consequences of their activities in a court of law.
Enquiries:
Superintendent Andrè Traut, SAPS Western Cape Media Liaison
Tel: 021 417 7423
Cell: 083 300 1752
E-mail : wcmedia@saps.org.za
Issued by: South African Police Service
9 July 2009
