Corrupt Cop Shot While Trying To Escape With R500 000 Bribe

A Mpumalanga policeman is nursing his wounds in hospital after he was shot in a shootout with members of the National Anti-Corruption and Intervention Unit (NIU) on an undercover mission to arrest him after taking a R500 000 bribe in Witbank.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the 45-year-old suspect got into a shootout with members of the NIU in Highveld Park near Witbank.

“According to the information, the shooting spiralled from an incident in which the said member allegedly solicited a bribe of R500 000 from a member of the public,” said Mohlala.

An undercover operation was set up by the aforementioned police units when they caught wind of the alleged solicitation.

The suspect called the complainant and demanded a cash payment “for clinching a deal in the coal mine around Witbank area.” The money was reportedly dropped off at a house in the area and the suspect collected it and left in a white Nissan NP300 bakkie.

“Members that were on the covert operation, tried to stop the vehicle driven by the suspect however, the man responded by firing shots at the members who also returned fire,” said the police spokesperson.

The suspect was shot and injured in the gun battle. He was arrested and taken to a hospital under police guard.

An undisclosed amount of cash was recovered at the scene.

The suspect is allegedly a Warrant Officer attached to the Organised Crime Head Office in the province.

“We can never allow a situation whereby members involve themselves in criminality. Internal investigations should also follow,” said Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela, the Mpumalanga commissioner.

The alleged corrupt cop is expected to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption and attempted murder imminently.

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