UPDATE: EMP officers charged with robbery, bail extortion

Six officers of the EMP Drug unit were released on bail on March 10, after their arrest because they had defeated the ends of justice, extorting and plundering a Congolese national in aggravated circumstances.

Officers were given a bail R3 000 each at the Boksburg magistrate’s court, provided they refer to the BoKsburg police station once a week and that they should not interfere with the investigation or with witnesses, directly or indirectly.

Are scheduled to return to court on March 25th.

These officers were arrested by the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) on March 5, after they were called to the EMP headquarters in Kempton Park.

And they made the first and second appearance in court on March 6 and 7 before the problem is postponed until March 10.

According to IPID spokesman, Lizzy Suping, the series of events involving the six Constans took place a year ago.

It is assumed that, on March 5, 2024, the officers stopped a Congolese national for an alleged violation of traffic. They asked to see the driver’s license and identification documents to verify if it is legal in the country.

“He showed them the requested documents and after the verification process, they led with him to his house, in a estate in Baksburg. Here, they searched the house without a search mandate and confiscated a sum of money, ”explained Suping.

The information collected suggests that the officers were forced to go home, despite his refusal.

The officers then searched the victim’s house and found R120,000 in cash, which they would have taken.

Then they took the driver to the Empd enclosure in Boksburg, where they gave their car back and let him leave without charging against him.

Responding to a comment request, the spokesman of the city of Ekurhuleni, Zweli Dlamini, said that while the city is aware of arrest and the severity of the accusations made against the members, he will comply with the law.

“Our members are expected to fulfill their duties in accordance with the law. Iniquity and crime will not be tolerated within the EMPD. The problem is in the process of investigating and, to allow the law to take its course.
“The innocent principle until it proves to be guilty should be considered.”

Dlamini could not confirm immediately whether the members will be allowed to return to work or to be issued letters of intention to suspend them while waiting for the charges against them.

“We will update you once an internal decision has been made, but I can assure the public that departmental measures will be taken in a timely manner. The department will launch the internal investigations and initiate appropriate disciplinary procedures against the officers involved. “