The suspect was arrested on Wednesday for contravening the prevention and combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004.

He appeared in the Postmasburg Magistrate's Court on a charge of corruption.

A complainant was brought by an immigrant who was nearly robbed by the arrested immigrant officer.

“It is alleged that during June 2019, the complainant was arrested with other illegal immigrants due to invalid documents and he was later released after it was established that his documents were correct. The other illegal immigrants were kept in custody as they awaited judgment from Postmasburg Magistrate's Court. Upon judgment, they were given fines of R600 each and were set to be deported after payment unless they rectify their documents,” says Hawks spokesperson Nomthandazo Mnisi.

Mnisi says the suspect demanded R7 500 from two immigrants in order to release them.

“It is further alleged that the immigration officer demanded a combined gratification of R7 500 from two of the immigrants in order to release them before deportation. He also reportedly approached an employer of the complainant, accused him of owing his employee an undisclosed amount of money and threatened to arrest him. The employer denied the allegations and thereafter the suspect demanded R3 000 gratification to repair his vehicle,” adds Mnisi.

“The matter was reported to the Hawks for investigations and the immigration officer was arrested.”

The suspect was released on R1 000 bail and the case has been postponed to 5 March 2021 for further investigation.

Jacaranda FM