Five members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) attached to the Vanderbijlpark Visible Policing Task Team have appeared in court on corruption charges after allegedly demanding a R100,000 bribe from a supermarket owner to avoid arrest.

The officers, including Sergeants Johannes Thakhisi, Ntombeko Christopher Seya, Mpho Godfrey Molatedi, Nhlanhla Sibusiso Sithole, and Tlokotsi Khanya, were summoned to the Vanderbijlpark Regional Court on June 18, 2026, following an investigation by the Hawks' Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation unit.The case stems from an incident in October 2024 when the owner of Oreo Supermarket was allegedly approached by the officers during a raid.

The officers reportedly demanded R100,000 in exchange for not arresting the businessman, later reducing the amount to R25,000 after intervention by a friend of the complainant.The Hawks' investigation led to an undercover sting operation, but the suspects did not collect the money.The officers now face court proceedings and internal disciplinary actions from SAPS.The case highlights ongoing concerns about police corruption and the need for accountability within law enforcement.