Three police officials of the Upington Police Station appeared in the Upington District Court on Wednesday, 26 January.
Const. Thapelo Semamai (27), Sgt Philip Gaekgwathi (36) and Sgt Martin Bosch (33) are facing charges of extortion and theft.
According to Mojalefa Senokoatsane, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in the Northern Cape, it is alleged that the three officials conducted a covert operational search for drugs at a house in Paballelo, Upington, on 24 November 2021.
Although no drugs or illegal substances were found on the premises during the search, it is alleged that the officials forced the complainant into the police vehicle without lawful arrest and demanded money from him whilst driving around the area.
The complainant agreed to give them R4 000 to release him, which he paid on their return to his house.
They also took his cellphone during the incident.
A complaint was registered.
Upon investigation, it was found that the three officers later gave the money back to the complainant.
The case has been postponed to 14 March pending further investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
