Capricorn TVET College employee arrested for corruption and extortion

According to sources, a 58-year-old Capricorn TVET College employee has been arrested in Polokwane, Limpopo, for alleged corruption and extortion. The suspect allegedly posed as a Department of Agriculture official, promising a farmer a R750,000 tender to train 33 students. The farmer, from Senwabarwana, reported the incident to the Limpopo Anti-Corruption Unit and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, leading to the operation's initiation.

The Capricorn Flying Squad was involved in the investigation, following a tip-off from the farmer who alleged that the official demanded R100,000 in exchange for granting the tender. Subsequently, the suspect was arrested after depositing R40,000 cash into the farmer's account, which was intercepted by police. He is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrates' Court on Monday, 19/10, facing charges of extortion and corruption.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Hlulani Mashaba, stated that the suspect is one of two involved in the alleged scheme, and police investigations are ongoing. The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Jan Petrus Scheepers, expressed satisfaction with the arrest, emphasizing the South African Police Service's commitment to combating corruption and prosecuting those who abuse their positions of authority.