JOHANNESBURG – National police are now investigating whether three detectives found in possession of ivory form part of a wider syndicate, after they were allegedly caught red-handed during a transaction.
The trio, along with two civilians, will be appearing in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court this morning, where they will be charged with corruption and the illegal possession of ivory.
Six men were initially arrested on Tuesday but one suspect committed suicide while in police custody.
Gauteng police spokesperson Neville Malila says, “From the national commissioner’s side, to the provincial commissioner’s side, we indicated that we would deal harshly with any corrupt activity within the organisation. And they were arrested by our own; by officers who want to serve the community.”