MTHATHA – The South African Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law after the arrest of two police officials aged between 24 and 30 years for extortion.
They are both remanded in custody to appear again on 30 December for formal bail application.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, it is alleged that on 21 December 2025 at about 11:00 police received information from a reliable source about two police officials attached to Public Order Policing (POP), dressed in full SAPS uniform and driving a silver-grey, old model Toyota Corolla, who were operating in the Khambi location outside Mthatha.
“According to the information received, the members were allegedly visiting taverns in the area, requesting liquor trading licences and further demanding alcohol,” said Mawisa.
She said that following the information, members from Mthatha Crime Prevention were activated, while the District Stock Theft Prevention Task Team monitored the situation.
Mawisa said that upon arrival, members were joined by the National Intervention Unit (NIU), who found the suspects inside the identified vehicle, dressed in full SAPS uniform.
She said that one of the members was found in possession of a service firearm.
“The positive information led to the arrest of the two police members who were taken in for further investigation regarding their suspected involvement,” said Mawisa.
She said that SAPS management has emphasised that no individual is above the law, and decisive action will be taken against anyone who brings the organisation into disrepute, regardless of rank or position.
