Cape Town - Western Cape police have arrested four more suspects, including another police officer, in the investigation into the extortion of Chinese nationals in Milnerton.
Just days after the Anti-Corruption Unit swooped in on seven officers of the SAPS Public Order Police unit, police yesterday said they arrested more suspects linked to the case.
The arrest of the first seven officers caused a stir at Milnerton police station, as rumours spread that police officers were being kept in the holding cells.
According to a source, the brazen officers arrived in full uniform and used marked SAPS vehicles at China Town and extorted R28000 from the shop owners.
Police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, confirmed the arrests on Sunday.
In a statement yesterday, police spokesperson, André Traut, said four more suspects were arrested following the ongoing investigation.
“The arrest of seven Public Order Police officials on Sunday evening for extortion at two Chinese shops in Milnerton, led to the arrest of an eighth police officer, also stationed at Public Order Police late last night [Monday] in Harare.
“Members of provincial detectives also took three civilians, one male who is a former police officer and two females in for questioning relating to the same incident.
“While the investigation is still under way, detectives are preparing the case docket for the suspects’ court appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court [today] where they will face charges of extortion, business robbery and corruption.”
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's spokesperson, Kamo Mogotsi, said the officers will also face an internal disciplinary process.
“Internal disciplinary processes will be instituted against these officers and they will also appear in court,” said Mogotsi.
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus