A 42-year-old man is expected to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court after police allegedly discovered more than R1.1 million concealed in shoe boxes inside a Ford Ranger Raptor on the N3 near Tugela Plaza.
The operation subsequently led to the arrest of two additional suspects who allegedly attempted to bribe police officers with R200 000.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, members of Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS) intercepted the Ford Ranger Raptor after receiving information that its driver was allegedly transporting drugs.
During a search of the vehicle, police discovered more than R1.1 million in cash concealed in shoe boxes.
“The 42-year-old suspect was unable to provide a satisfactory account for the source of the money,” said Mathe.
Police seized the Ford Ranger Raptor, along with a privately licensed firearm, cellphone and laptop, for further investigation.
The case then took another turn when the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the investigating officer and reportedly indicated that his colleagues would provide the money.
GCI-OPS subsequently launched an entrapment operation, resulting in the arrest of two additional suspects who allegedly attempted to bribe police officers with R200 000.
“The R200 000 was seized, and the suspects’ VW Amarok was also confiscated,” said Mathe.
The two suspects arrested during the entrapment operation appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 14 August 2026.
The 42-year-old arrested near Tugela Plaza is expected to appear before the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court.
The three suspects collectively face charges that include money laundering and corruption.
Mathe warned that attempts to interfere with police investigations through bribery would result in further criminal charges.
“Attempts to bribe members of the SAPS will be met with decisive action and will result in criminal charges. GCI-OPS will continue to pursue individuals involved in the movement of illicit proceeds and attempts to undermine law enforcement through corruption. No amount of money will deter the SAPS from pursuing criminals or corrupt individuals who seek to interfere with police investigations.”
Investigations are continuing, including efforts to establish the source of the R1.1 million and the circumstances surrounding the alleged bribery attempt.
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One Response
In these economic times it is doubly commendable that the Investigating Officer refused the bribe. Everyone would have that moment of picturing how the money could benefit their lives. It took real integrity to say NO. Well done to that police officer. You are a credit to SAPS!