Court to Hear Case of 11 Officers Accused of Raiding Liquor Store and Stealing Alcohol and Cash During Lockdown

Johannesburg – Eleven corrupt police officers, including a colonel, lieutenant colonel, sergeant, and eight constables, have been processed and charged with various offenses, including corruption, theft, extortion, obstructing justice, and malicious destruction of property.

All of the accused are affiliated with the Sedibeng District Office, Evaton, Meyerton, and the Gauteng Highway Patrol.

It is alleged that on July 4, 2021, at 04:00, a Chinese complainant and his father were driving along Neethling Street in Meyerton when they were abruptly stopped by a white unmarked Ford double cab.

The officers driving the unmarked vehicle accused the complainant of illegally selling liquor during the lockdown.

According to allegations, the complainant’s vehicle was searched, but no illegal items were discovered.

The complainant claims that the police coerced him into driving to his liquor store.

Upon arrival, additional police officers gathered at the liquor store.

They searched the premises and seized liquor valued at R600,000.

However, it is alleged that the seized liquor was never recorded in any police documentation.

The complainant further alleges that R700,000 in cash was also taken by the police in the presence of his father.

Additionally, the complainant noted that the police officers damaged the store’s video camera system.

Unbeknownst to the officers, who allegedly removed the hard drive from the CCTV system, a backup recording existed.

During the search and seizure operation, the complainant alleges that both he and his father were placed in handcuffs.

While handcuffed, the complainant and his father witnessed the police’s actions.

The complainant further asserts that they were ultimately arrested for alleged bribery, with the police claiming the pair attempted to offer them R3,000.

However, following a police investigation into the incident, charges of theft, corruption, extortion, and malicious damage to property were filed against the eleven suspects.

The case was also forwarded to the Gauteng Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, which has since completed its investigation.

The case file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review.

The DPP has chosen to prosecute all the mentioned members.

Summons (J175) have been issued for all the accused to appear at the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, January 23, 2025.