ALLEGATIONS OF “CASH-FOR-FREEDOM” AT POLICE STATIONS
Crime activist Yusuf Abramjee has raised allegations of a “cash-for-freedom” scheme involving police officers at some Gauteng stations, prompting calls for investigations.
GAUTENG — Crime activist and commentator Yusuf Abramjee has sparked debate online after raising allegations that some police officers at Gauteng police stations may be involved in a so-called “cash-for-freedom” scheme.
In a social media post, Abramjee claimed that some officers at stations including Hillbrow and Johannesburg Central allegedly arrest foreign nationals and then release them shortly afterwards in exchange for cash.
According to the allegations, payments of between R500 and R5 000 are reportedly demanded for release.
Abramjee described the alleged practice as extortion and called for urgent intervention from several authorities, including:
• South African Police Service (SAPS) management
• The National Commissioner of Police
• The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)
• The Ministry of Police
• The Department of Home Affairs
He further urged authorities to consider:
• immediate investigations
• lifestyle audits of officers
• undercover integrity tests
• and criminal prosecutions if wrongdoing is confirmed.
Abramjee warned that corruption within policing structures can undermine crime-fighting efforts and allow criminals to operate freely.
LOCAL RESIDENTS RAISE CONCERNS
Following the post, several social media users alleged that similar practices may also be occurring in areas closer to home.
Some online comments mentioned police stations in Ivory Park, Rabie Ridge and Tembisa South, with residents from Tembisa, Kaalfontein, Ebony Park and Ivory Park expressing concern.
KAE News cannot independently verify these allegations at this stage.
The claims have nevertheless sparked strong reactions among community members, with some expressing anger while others have called for formal investigations to establish the facts.
