Polokwane – A 48-year-old female police officer has been arrested for allegedly demanding thousands of rand to facilitate access to routes for unregistered taxi operators in Gilead, Waterberg, Limpopo.
The officer was arrested on Thursday, 30 April 2026, following a complaint a day earlier from a member of the Gilead Taxi Association.
Narrating events leading to the arrest, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said: “It is alleged that the suspect demanded R15 000 in cash to arrange a meeting with illegal taxi operators in the area who are operating without proper documentation.
“The complaint further indicated that this followed a previous demand in which the suspect requested a substantial amount of cash in exchange for facilitating access to the same illegal operators.
“It is also alleged that the suspect, on several occasions while traveling to meetings, stopped at the complainant’s premises to demand money.”
Following the information received, a joint operation was conducted by the police and Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit in the Gilead precinct.
The suspect was apprehended after receiving cash from the complainant.
The 48-year-old female suspect will make her first appearance at the Gilead Periodical Court on Monday, 4 May 2026, facing a charge of corruption.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed strong displeasure at the conduct of the arrested police officer.
“It is unacceptable for a law enforcement officer entrusted with upholding the law to engage in criminal activities,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“We have zero tolerance for corruption within our ranks and will act decisively against any member involved.”
Police investigations are continuing.
