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

Five Vanderbijlpark police sergeants have appeared in court on charges of corruption and extortion after a Hawks investigation alleged they demanded R100,000 from the owner of a local supermarket during a 2024 raid.

Who is charged and when they appeared

The accused are identified as Sergeants Johannes Thakhisi (45), Ntombeko Seya (44), Mpho Molatedi (39), Nhlanhla Sithole (42) and Tlokotsi Kganya (36). They made their first appearance in the Vanderbijlpark Regional Court this week.

Allegations from the Hawks investigation

Lieutenant Colonel Granville Meyer, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service, said the case was postponed to 13 July for further investigation. He described the matter as having been investigated by the Hawks’ Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI), and said it stemmed from an incident that took place on 27 October 2024.

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

Meyer said the officers then allegedly demanded a bribe of R100 000 from the business owner to avoid arrest. He added that “following negotiations involving a third party, the demanded amount was reduced to R25 000.”

Investigation steps and court process

According to Meyer, the complainant contacted the Hawks’ Vaal SCI to report the matter. An application for an undercover sting operation was authorised, but the suspects did not collect the cash on the day “due to operational delays,” Meyer said. The investigation continued and further reports of threats and intimidation against the complainant were added to the case file.

When the Hawks completed their investigation the docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who authorised criminal prosecution. Meyer said summonses were served on all five accused members on 18 June 2026, compelling their appearance in court.

Next steps

The court appearance has been postponed to 13 July as the Hawks and prosecuting authorities continue their investigation.