A public prosecutor and two policemen have found themselves on the wrong side of the law – accused of releasing a suspect “for a fee”.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said the man had been arrested for possession of dagga‚ and is alleged to have bribed the cops and prosecutor to release him without putting the matter on the court roll.

More than six months after the bribe‚ the Hawks made their move on the officials.

“Members of the Hawks Serious Corruption Unit in Durban have arrested one public prosecutor and two policemen for corruption‚ as well as defeating the ends of justice‚ which happened at Hlanganani Magistrate’s Court in August last year‚” Mhlongo said.

“The three allegedly received bribe for the release of the suspect without trial. An intensive investigation was instituted and Hawks preliminary investigation indicated that there was foul play. They were charged for corruption and defeating the ends of justice.”

He would not comment on the price the man had paid for freedom.