The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an urgent investigation following the circulation of a video on social media that appears to show uniformed officers demanding bribes from undocumented foreigners in exchange for their release. The footage, purportedly filmed at Joburg’s Park Station, has ignited public outrage and prompted a swift response from police management.
ALLEGED CORRUPTION AT JHB PARK STATION BY POLICE
It is alleged that SAPS officers at Johannesburg Park Station (Railway Police) are demanding bribe money from undocumented foreign nationals in exchange for freedom. pic.twitter.com/x2lA4K4o0H
— ˗ˏˋ CrimeInSA ˊˎ˗ (@sa_crime) February 24, 2026
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a spokesperson for the SAPS, confirmed that the allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness. Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has directed Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the provincial commissioner, to personally oversee the investigation.
The video, which has been widely shared online, shows a uniformed SAPS officer, easily identifiable by his holstered firearm, engaged in a conversation with a man wearing a red shirt and red cap. During the interaction, the man is seen removing cash from his pocket and counting it. He then returns a portion of the money to his pocket, while the officer reaches towards the remaining cash before seemingly withdrawing his hand.
A second officer then approaches and is seen extending his hand towards the man. The footage shows one of the officers handling the cash, while all three individuals appear to scan their surroundings, seemingly checking to see if they are being watched. The money is then placed into the back pocket of one of the officers. The video's existence raises serious questions about the conduct of these officers and the potential for wider corruption within the ranks.
In response to the allegations, Mathe issued a statement emphasising the police management's zero-tolerance stance against corruption, extortion, and misconduct, particularly involving foreign nationals. "The SAPS has noted the social media uproar on serious allegations that foreign nationals are allegedly paying for their freedom to be in South Africa," she said. "Management is focusing on rooting out officers involved in criminal activity to prevent them from tarnishing the reputation of the service and ensuring improved and enhanced service delivery at all stations and service points."
The incident comes at a sensitive time, as the SAPS is actively engaged in Operation Shanela, an initiative aimed at combating crime and addressing illegal immigration. Mathe noted that Operation Shanela results in the arrest of no fewer than 1,000 illegal immigrants each week.
"Anti-corruption initiatives such as Operation Shanela are conducted in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs to verify immigration status and prevent illegal, corrupt releases," Mathe explained. "This is a step in the right direction to illustrate and showcase the government’s commitment to addressing the presence of illegal immigrants."
The SAPS spokesperson issued a stern warning to all parties involved in bribery, stating that "all parties are warned of severe consequences" if they either receive or pay bribes. The investigation will aim to determine the authenticity of the video, identify the officers involved, and establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
This incident is not isolated, and it reflects a broader concern about corruption within law enforcement agencies in South Africa. Recent reports from organisations such as Corruption Watch have highlighted the prevalence of bribery and extortion involving police officers, particularly in interactions with vulnerable populations, including undocumented migrants. The allegations also draw parallels with similar incidents in other countries, where police corruption has been linked to organised crime and human rights abuses.
The outcome of the investigation into the Park Station incident will be closely watched, as it will serve as a test of the SAPS's commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability within its ranks. The incident also underscores the need for greater transparency and oversight of police operations, as well as measures to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation and abuse. The integrity of the SAPS, and the public's trust in the police force, hangs in the balance.
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