/ 12 September 2005

Corruption-accused police officers refused bail

Two police officers accused of corruption were refused bail in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on Monday.

”Bail was not granted for the two men and they remain in custody,” said Superintendent Andy Pieke, of the East Rand police.

Pieke said the case was postponed for further investigation, although the date of their next appearance had not been set.

Corruption charges were withdrawn against a third police officer in the case on Friday.

Two sergeants and an inspector were arrested on Thursday after they had allegedly tried to solicit a bribe from two Tsakane residents, Pieke said.

He said the three police officers questioned a Tsakane resident on Tuesday regarding roof tiles they alleged were stolen.

”The man gave the explanation that he had acquired them from the company where he works. The man showed them a copy of an invoice.”

The police officers alleged it was false. They also traced a second man whose name appeared on the invoice, Pieke said.

The trio ordered the men to accompany them to the company.

”On the way, one of the men was asked to hand over R1 000 to them, which he allegedly did. The other man did not have money.”

At the company, a staff member heard about the R1 000 the three allegedly wanted.

He went to the Brakpan police station and opened a case of corruption, Pieke said. — Sapa