Five police officers and two civilians have been arrested for armed robbery. The suspects were fully dressed in police uniform when they allegedly robbed a businesswoman of R83 000 in cash. The robbery took place on 14 June 2023 in Malvern, Johannesburg. Four of the officers are SAPS members while one is Tshwane Metro Police officer.

CHARGES 

The suspects are aged between 25 and 42 and face charges of corruption, armed robbery and kidnapping. The Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase says it’s alleged that ten suspects, of which two were dressed in full police uniform, committed a robbery at a residence of a businesswoman. "The armed suspects allegedly forced entry into the premises, threatened the occupants and demanded money and cellular phones," Nkwalase said.

EXTORTION 

Nkwalase said after searching the house. the suspects forced the victim to log into her mobile banking app. "They instructed her to do a quick transfer of R200 000 which they noticed in her business account, however, the bank refused to release the amount on short notice. The suspects then drove with her to the bank to withdraw some money from her savings and also asked her to get more money from her relatives, The businesswoman allegedly lost approximately R83 000 during the robbery," said Nkwalase . He said the seven suspects will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court soon and the Hawks team is on the hunt for the remaining suspects.