Three officers and self-proclaimed philanthropist Malcom X (57) appeared at the Alexandra Magistrates Court yesterday in relation to extorting a bribe from a suspect. The three police officers Desmond Campbell Kekana (52), James Mpho Sekhaolela (45), and Raymond Mphuwa Mokaile (38) as well as Malcom X are facing two counts of corruption or extortion.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the accused are alleged to have demanded a R580 000 bribe for a complainant to avoid being arrested. "It is alleged that three officials went to the complainant's residence to enquire about her passport and thereafter alleged that it contained fraudulent immigration stamps. They later arrested her and during questioning, the trio allegedly demanded R2 million for her release. Malcolm X was the alleged middleman in facilitating the payment," she said.

She added that in enticing the family, threats were made about arresting the complainant's son as well. "The complainant gave in and R580 000 was agreed to, and the complainant was released. A case of corruption was then reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and after completion of the investigation on 22 October 2023, the Hawks' Serious Corruption Unit effected the arrest," said Mjonondwane. The case was postponed to the 26 October 2023 for a formal bail application and all four accused were remanded in custody.