A 58-year-old Capricorn TVET College official has been arrested for allegedly demanding R100,000 from a farmer in exchange for releasing R750,000 in project funding.
The funding was intended for land to support practical training for 33 students under the Department of Agriculture.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the farmer had alleged that he previously deposited money into the suspect’s personal bank account under the guise of payment for “coffee”.
The suspect allegedly posed as a Department of Agriculture official.
“A covert entrapment operation was conducted on Friday in Polokwane, where the farmer handed over R40,000 cash,” said Mashaba.
Police arrested the suspect shortly afterwards and seized the money.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, welcomed the arrest.
Mashaba said the SAPS remained committed to tackling corruption and holding those who abused their authority accountable.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, October 19. He faces corruption and extortion charges.
Police investigations are continuing.
![Randfontein ‘tornado’: Dozens injured as clean-up operations continue [VIDEO]](https://newsunplug.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Citizen-Photo-Template-480x320.jpg)
