This morning a task team stationed at the O.R. Tambo International Airport arrested four of its own members on a charge of extortion.
On New Year's Day, a Ghanaian citizen arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport. He was stopped by police at the International Arrivals lobby.
The police demanded that he produce an invitation to justify his visit to South Africa. The traveller instead produced his passport and visa and said that he did not need a letter.
The officers allegedly demanded 100 US dollars (about R800) from the man and threatened him with deportation. Fearing he would be deported, the man instead said he had 50 US dollars. The officers allegedly ordered him to convert to the currency to rand and pay it to them.
"This matter was brought to the attention of SAPS management at O.R. Tambo after which an inquiry was initiated and evidence gathered," police said.
"The Ghanaian man was eventually traced to a place in Gauteng and an affidavit was obtained from him earlier this week. On the premise of the affidavit and evidence obtained, a sergeant and four constables that are stationed O.R. Tambo International Airport were arrested this morning."
They have been detained in police holding cells and are expected to appear in the Kempton Park magistrates court on Monday.
Airport cops demand bribe
This morning a task team stationed at the O.R. Tambo International Airport arrested four of its own members on a charge of extortion.
On New Year's Day, a Ghanaian citizen arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport. He was stopped by police at the International Arrivals lobby.
The police demanded that he produce an invitation to justify his visit to South Africa. The traveller instead produced his passport and visa and said that he did not need a letter.
The officers allegedly demanded 100 US dollars (about R800) from the man and threatened him with deportation. Fearing he would be deported, the man instead said he had 50 US dollars. The officers allegedly ordered him to convert to the currency to rand and pay it to them.
"This matter was brought to the attention of SAPS management at O.R. Tambo after which an inquiry was initiated and evidence gathered," police said.
"The Ghanaian man was eventually traced to a place in Gauteng and an affidavit was obtained from him earlier this week. On the premise of the affidavit and evidence obtained, a sergeant and four constables that are stationed O.R. Tambo International Airport were arrested this morning."
They have been detained in police holding cells and are expected to appear in the Kempton Park magistrates court on Monday.
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