Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has launched an internal investigation after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing two police officers soliciting a bribe from a suspect during a stop-and-search operation.
The South African Police Service said the incident is alleged to have occurred on 04 June 2026 at Wierdaburg policing precinct during Provincial Operation Shanela.
According to police, the members reportedly stopped a suspect who was riding a bicycle, confiscated the bicycle, and then transported the individual in a police vehicle to Wierdapark community park, where they allegedly demanded and received money in exchange for his release.
SAPS confirmed that the officers involved have been identified and that a departmental case has been opened against them. An internal enquiry has also been registered to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“All allegations will form part of the launched investigation,” police said.
The service has urged members of the public to formally report incidents of corruption, noting that while social media awareness is helpful, official complaints are necessary to build prosecutable cases.
The public has been directed to use the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701, the National Service Complaints Centre at 0800 333 177, or to contact the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which operates independently from SAPS.
Police said efforts to combat fraud and corruption within law enforcement will continue as investigations proceed.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/SAPS
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
