A 58-year-old Capricorn TVET College official is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 October, facing charges of corruption and extortion after allegedly demanding R100,000 from a farmer.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, 16 October, during a covert police operation in Polokwane, Limpopo, following a complaint by a farmer from Senwabarwana.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the official allegedly demanded R100,000 in exchange for releasing R750,000 in project funding intended for land to be used for practical training by 33 students under the Department of Agriculture.
Police said the farmer alleged that he had previously deposited money into the suspect’s personal bank account under the guise of paying for “coffee”.
The suspect also allegedly misrepresented himself as an official from the Department of Agriculture.
The arrest followed an entrapment operation conducted by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, assisted by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit and the Capricorn Flying Squad.
During the operation, the farmer handed over R40,000 in cash, after which the suspect was arrested. The money was seized by police.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers welcomed the arrest, saying police remained committed to rooting out corruption and bringing to book those who abuse positions of authority.
Police investigations are continuing.
