Eastern Cape Cop Accused of Demanding R2,500 Bribe Set for Court Appearance

As police credibility comes under fire, another SAPS officer lands in hot water over alleged corruption.

A 46-year-old Eastern Cape police officer is expected to appear in the Gqeberha District Court on 17 July 2025, following allegations that he demanded a R2,500 bribe from a suspect to avoid arrest.

The officer, who was stationed at Humewood Police Station, was served with a court summons on Thursday by the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation). His arrest forms part of a growing pattern of corruption cases within the South African Police Service (SAPS), which has shaken public trust in law enforcement.

‘Make things easy’: The bribe that sparked the case

According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, the incident dates back to 2 April 2024. The officer, acting as an investigating officer in an assault case, allegedly summoned the suspect to the station and then offered a deal.

“He allegedly demanded R2,500 in return for not arresting the suspect,” said Fumba. “After receiving the money, he released the individual without laying a formal charge.”

The officer has been charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), which makes it a criminal offence for public servants to accept gratification in exchange for performing or not performing official duties.

Hawks crack down on dirty cops

This isn’t the first time the Hawks have made headlines this month. Just days ago, they arrested Crime Intelligence head Major General Dumisani Khumalo at OR Tambo International Airport.

Khumalo is being investigated over R45 million in dodgy property deals, including the purchase of a luxury boutique hotel in Pretoria North and a commercial building in Durban’s Berea, all without required ministerial approval.

“Corruption has no place in the pursuit of justice,” said Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape. “Internal accountability remains one of our top priorities.”

What this means for police credibility

The case has reignited public concern over corruption within SAPS, particularly at a time when community-police relations are already under strain due to rising crime, police brutality, and a perceived lack of accountability.

Social media users have expressed anger and disbelief:

“When cops are the criminals, who do we call?” – @ThaboEC_Justice
“R2,500 to buy your freedom? Imagine how many others he’s done this to.” – @NthabiM30

Bigger questions for SAPS

While the accused officer prepares for court, many South Africans are calling for broader reforms within the police service, including:

• Stricter internal oversight

• Public transparency on internal investigations

• An independent ombud body for police conduct

As South Africa continues to grapple with high crime levels, cases like this chip away at the integrity of a system already under pressure. And for ordinary citizens, it reinforces a bitter truth: even justice can come with a price tag, if the wrong person is wearing the badge.

{Source: The Citizen}

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