The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has launched an internal investigation into allegations that officers accepted a bribe from undocumented immigrants arrested during an operation in Winternest, Mabopane.
The allegations emerged after a video circulated on social media showing officers handling money inside a police vehicle following the arrest of six undocumented immigrants on 12 May 2026.
In a media statement released on 14 May 2026, the TMPD said preliminary findings indicate that no bribery took place. According to the department, one of the suspects voluntarily handed over R1 000 to officers for safekeeping while being transported to the police station.
The suspect reportedly feared the money could be lost while in custody. Officers allegedly counted the cash openly in his presence before recording it in the SAPS22 Prisoner’s Property Register, which has since been verified by police officials.
The department further explained that another detainee recorded the video inside the police vehicle at his brother’s request as proof of the amount handed over. The detainee has reportedly stated that he did not intend to accuse or expose officers for wrongdoing.
TMPD said the video, together with statements from both the detainee and the officers involved, now forms part of the official investigation record.
“At this time, no evidence supports claims of unlawful conduct,” the department said in its statement, adding that the money was properly documented according to procedure.
The TMPD also criticised the interpretation of the video, saying it created a misleading impression that damaged the reputation and integrity of officers involved in the operation.
TMPD Chief of Police, YCR Faro, urged members of the public to report corruption and criminal activity through the appropriate law enforcement channels, including the TMPD and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The department reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and fighting criminality in Tshwane.TMPD Clears Officers in Alleged Bribery Incident Involving Undocumented Immigrants
The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has launched an internal investigation into allegations that officers accepted a bribe from undocumented immigrants arrested during an operation in Winternest, Mabopane.
The allegations emerged after a video circulated on social media showing officers handling money inside a police vehicle following the arrest of six undocumented immigrants on 12 May 2026.
In a media statement released on 14 May 2026, the TMPD said preliminary findings indicate that no bribery took place. According to the department, one of the suspects voluntarily handed over R1 000 to officers for safekeeping while being transported to the police station.
The suspect reportedly feared the money could be lost while in custody. Officers allegedly counted the cash openly in his presence before recording it in the SAPS22 Prisoner’s Property Register, which has since been verified by police officials.
The department further explained that another detainee recorded the video inside the police vehicle at his brother’s request as proof of the amount handed over. The detainee has reportedly stated that he did not intend to accuse or expose officers for wrongdoing.
TMPD said the video, together with statements from both the detainee and the officers involved, now forms part of the official investigation record.
“At this time, no evidence supports claims of unlawful conduct,” the department said in its statement, adding that the money was properly documented according to procedure.
The TMPD also criticised the interpretation of the video, saying it created a misleading impression that damaged the reputation and integrity of officers involved in the operation.
TMPD Chief of Police, YCR Faro, urged members of the public to report corruption and criminal activity through the appropriate law enforcement channels, including the TMPD and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The department reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and fighting criminality in Tshwane.
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