Cape Town Anti-Theft Unit Officers Arrested for Extortion

Two officers from Cape Town's specialized Metal Theft Unit are now in custody. The national Hawks investigative unit and city safety officials arrested them for allegedly extorting money from foreign-owned small grocery stores, known as spaza shops. The City of Cape Town confirmed it will suspend both officers immediately. An internal disciplinary case will proceed alongside the criminal investigation. The city's Safety Directorate stated that corruption within law enforcement is a serious issue. The arrests highlight the problem of officials exploiting the communities they are sworn to protect.