Five Vanderbijlpark sergeants in court over alleged R100,000 bribe demand

Five officers charged after businessman reports alleged extortion

Five sergeants attached to the Vanderbijlpark SAPS Task Team appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Regional Court on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, facing charges of corruption and extortion after they were accused of demanding a R100,000 bribe from a local business owner, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) said.

Who is accused and what they are charged with

The accused are identified as Sgt Johannes Thakhisi, 45; Sgt Ntombeko Seya, 44; Sgt Mpho Molatedi, 39; Sgt Nhlanhla Sithole, 42; and Sgt Tlokotsi Kgany, 36. They face charges of corruption and extortion following an investigation by the Hawks’ Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation unit, the Hawks’ spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Granville Meyer said.

Allegations and investigative steps

According to Lieutenant Colonel Granville Meyer, it is alleged that on October 27, 2024 the five members conducted a raid at a local business, Oreo Supermarket, “under the pretext of searching for illicit cigarettes.” The officers allegedly demanded a R100,000 bribe from the business owner to avoid making an arrest.

Meyer said that “following negotiations involving a third party, the demanded amount was reduced to R25,000.” The complainant then contacted the Hawks’ Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation unit and reported the alleged extortion.

Sting operation, further allegations and prosecution

“An application for an undercover sting operation was immediately authorised,” Meyer said. He added: “Despite the suspects not taking the bait and not collecting the cash on the day because of operational delays, the investigation continued rigorously.”

Meyer also said that further reports of “threats and intimidation against the complainant” were included in the case docket. Upon completion of the investigation, the docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who authorised criminal prosecution.

Court process and custody status

Summonses were served on all five accused on June 18, 2026, compelling their appearance in court on Tuesday. The accused remain behind bars, and the matter was postponed to July 13, 2026, for further investigation.

Official statement

“It is alleged that in 2024, the five members conducted a raid at a local business, Oreo Supermarket, under the pretext of searching for illicit cigarettes,” Meyer said.

“An application for an undercover sting operation was immediately authorised. Despite the suspects not taking the bait and not collecting the cash on the day because of operational delays, the investigation continued rigorously,” Meyer said.