A policeman accused of colluding with syndicates involved in rhino poaching was arrested on a charge of corruption on Wednesday.

The 47-year-old Detective Warrant Officer attached to Phokeng police station was arrested by the Hawks at work this morning‚ while on duty.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West province‚ Major General Jacob Tsumane‚ said in a statement: “We have an obligation to fight crime‚ and we have to do so with clean hands. I will always support all initiatives aimed at cleaning this province from all corrupt activities“.

Internal disciplinary steps against him would start immediately‚ Tsumane said.

“His arrest comes after a massive clean-out of the Kopfontein border post where 18 police officers were arrested for corruption. These members’ internal disciplinary are under way to have their side of the story following the arrest.

“It is hoped that this continuing provincial clean-out of corrupt officials will not only serve as a deterrent to emerging corrupt officials‚ but also restore confidence to the community that we are determined to fight crime with clean hands‚” said Tsumane.