Hawks spokesperson Paul Ramaloko says the arrests started yesterday and continued into the early hours of this morning.

The members, including captains, warrant officers, sergeants, constables, an admin clerk and a reservist, were arrested at Thabong and Welkom police stations from the following units: detective service, visible policing, flying squad, social crime prevention, client service centre, public order policing, and the organised crime unit of the Hawks.

The members are mainly accused of having contravened sections of the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005, and defeating the ends of justice. They will also face charges of theft, corruption and money laundering.

Ramaloko says the suspects were not necessarily working together in the commission of these crimes. Eighteen criminal cases were opened against them.

He says the Hawks investigating team kept the suspects under surveillance for some time after concerns from the community.

During the operation, four vehicles used during the commission of the crimes were confiscated. Lifestyle audits will be conducted on the suspects and internal disciplinary procedures are underway.

Free State police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabethe Mpembe said the arrests will contribute towards a positive economic transformation of the province, and they will continue to root out corruption in the SAPS.

The suspects will appear in the Welkom Magistrates court on Friday.

 

SAPS statement