Seven Police Officers Arrested For Allegedly Selling Out To Zama Zamas in Johannesburg
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised the swift action of the investigative team and said the arrests send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated within law enforcement.
In a shocking case of alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), seven Public Order Police officers have been arrested in Booysens, Johannesburg, for allegedly colluding with illegal miners — known locally as zama zamas — in an extortion scheme worth R30,000.
The arrests were made by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Reaction Unit on Tuesday, 22 October, following an intelligence-driven operation.
Police Officers Accused of Extorting Illegal Miner
According to reports, the officers allegedly kidnapped a zama zama and transported him to a loan shark, where they were reportedly due to receive a R30,000 payoff. The man they allegedly extorted was found in possession of suspected unrefined gold.
SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed that the arrested members are now facing multiple charges, including corruption, extortion, and kidnapping.
“The accused officers will be appearing before the Booysens Magistrate’s Court soon,” Kweza said.
Anti-Corruption Unit Steps In
The SAPS Provincial Anti-Corruption team has taken over the investigation, with authorities vowing to clamp down on criminality within the ranks.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised the swift action of the investigative team and said the arrests send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated within law enforcement.
“I have faith that the Anti-Corruption Unit will conduct a thorough investigation that ensures criminality and corruption are rooted out of the service,” Mthombeni stated.
Zama Zama Crisis Exposes Deep Police Corruption
The arrests have once again thrown a spotlight on the deep-seated corruption linked to South Africa’s illegal mining economy. Over the past few years, zama zamas have been implicated in violent turf wars, extortion, and the looting of mining infrastructure — often with the alleged assistance of corrupt officials.
Authorities confirmed that the zama zama involved in this case will also face charges for contravening the Precious Metals Act, which regulates the trade and possession of unrefined minerals.
Meanwhile, internal disciplinary proceedings are expected to be instituted against the seven arrested officers pending the outcome of the criminal case.
“This incident is not just about seven rogue cops — it’s a reminder of how corruption threatens the integrity of law enforcement and public trust in the justice system,” said a senior SAPS source.
