19 police officers arrested and suspended without pay

Lusanda Bill
05 December 2014

Nineteen police officers consisting of six warrant officers and thirteen constables have been arrested for their involvement in distributing illegal cigarettes. 

Police Spokesperson Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale said the arrested police officers demanded bribes from people smuggling illegal cigarettes into the country.

After receiving the bribes instead of arresting the suspects, the police escorted the vehicle carrying illicit cigarettes to ensure the suspects evaded arrest by other law-enforcement officials. 

Makgale said the officers have been suspended without pay given the seriousness of the allegations against them.

“We will ensure that this process is completed swiftly and hopefully we will get a result that will ensure that they do not remain within the South African Police Service.  We do not want criminal cops” Makgale added.