Cape Town - A former police reservist will appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of corruption and impersonating a police officer.
The 44-year-old suspect was arrested following an investigation by the Hawks’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
Lieutenant Robert Netshiunda said a tip-off was received from a lodge owner who claimed a man was collecting money from him under the pretence that he would prevent police and Gambling Board officials from raiding his business.
Gambling machines were being operated at the lodge without proper documentation, he said.
“The complainant became suspicious when the police still came and raided his lodge despite him having paid R35 000 in several instalments to the fake cop,” Netshiunda confirmed.
“An investigation will be launched to ascertain why the former reservist still possesses a police appointment card and a wallet with a police badge on it.”