Pretoria - Police on Monday arrested five people, including a senior police officer, suspected of being part of a drug trafficking syndicate operating in and around Johannesburg.
The 51-year-old colonel was arrested just after he reported for duty at Sophiatown Police Station this morning.
The other four suspected drug dealers, aged between 29 and 63, were arrested in Westbury, Newclare and Reverlea.
It is alleged that the senior police officer, who was in charge of visible policing operations from the Sophiatown police station, had a corrupt relationship with the suspects.
He allegedly was helping the suspected drug dealers betray their clients and evade police arrest.
“It is alleged that after a client purchased drugs from the suspects, they would give the police officer a tip-off. The police officer would then organise a raid on the clients, seize the drugs but free the clients in exchange for a bribe.
“The drugs would then be taken back to the suspected drug lords, who would also pay the police officer a bribe for returning the loot of drugs. The alleged criminal activities took place in Johannesburg areas, including Eldorado Park, Westbury, Newclare and Reverlea,” police said on Monday.
Police are also confident that more arrests are imminent.
The National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega, welcomed the arrest, which she said was part of efforts to professionalise the SAPS and enhance the capacity of the Crime Intelligence Units throughout the country.
"As much as it is appalling that a senior officer of our organisation is alleged to be involved in such horrendous deeds, I am ecstatic that our people were able to identify him and others and bring them to account,” said General Phiyega.
The five suspects are expected to appear in the Johannesburg and Roodepoort Magistrate’s Courts soon, facing charges of drug dealing and corruption. – SAnews.go.za
