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FIVE VANDERBIJLPARK POLICE SERGEANTS IN COURT FOR CORRUPTION AND EXTORTION Sergeants Johannes Thakhisi (45), Ntombeko Seya (44), Mpho Molatedi (39), Nhlanhla Sithole (42) and Tlokotsi Kganya (36) appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Regional Court yesterday, 7 July 2026, on charges of corruption and extortion where their case was postponed to 13 July for further investigation. The accused officials attached to the Vanderbijlpark SAPS Task Team made their first court appearance, on 07 July 2026 following a meticulous investigation handled by the Hawks'Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) , stemming from an incident that took place on 27 October 2024. It is alleged that in 2024, the five members conducted a raid at a local business premises, Oreo Supermarket, under the pretext of searching for illicit cigarettes. The members then allegedly demanded gratification of R100,000.00 from the business owner to avoid arrest. Following negotiations involving a third party, the demanded amount was reduced to R25,000.00. The complainant secretly blew the whistle by contacting the Hawks' Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation. An application for an undercover sting operation was immediately authorised. Despite the suspects not catching the bait and not collecting the cash on the day due to operational delays, the investigation continued rigorously. Further reports of threats and intimidation against the complainant were added to the case file. Upon completion of the investigation, the case docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who authorized criminal prosecution. Summonses were successfully served on all five accused members on 18 June 2026, compelling their appearance in court yesterday.
