Tebogo Msimanga |
A 52-year-old man is expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s court on Wednesday facing charges of extortion and corruption.It is alleged that in January this year, unknown men approached a farmer in Katlehong and demanded to see the lease documents from the Ekurhuleni Municipality.
Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu of Gauteng Hawks said the suspect, who was in a company of an accomplice stated that he was employed by the municipality as a customer care relations officer. “They then solicited R4 000 from the farmer and accused him of occupying the farm illegally.”
Mulamu added that the same suspect allegedly targeted the farmer again on Tuesday, 22 November 2021 and the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in Germiston team were alerted. “The team swiftly responded to the intelligence received which culminated in a sting operation being activated.”
A suspect who is confirmed to be a city official was arrested after he received R5 000 in cash. Investigation continues whilst the outstanding suspect is still being sought.
