A Musina policeman, Constable Dakalo Sitsula (27), was arrested last Friday after he had allegedly robbed a Zimbabwean cigarette smuggler of his cash and illegal supply.

It is alleged that Sitsula stopped the smuggler during his patrol. Instead of taking him to a police station, however, Sitsula allegedly took the Zimbabwean man to a secluded area where he searched him and found him in possession of a large quantity of illegal cigarettes from Zimbabwe. It is alleged that, instead of arresting the man, Sithula allowed the man to walk free, on condition that he pay him a bribe. In the Zimbabwean man's statement, he told Sitsula that he only had R400 with him.

The Zimbabwean smuggler afterwards reported the matter to the police and picked out the constable from an identity parade. Sitsula appeared in court on the same day on charges of corruption and extortion. He was released on R1000 bail, while his case was postponed until 28 June.

Limpopo commissioner Lt-Gen Simon Mpembe said corruption would not be tolerated in the police force.

"Anyone who breaks the rules will be caught and punished. Members [police] should not expect any favours, no matter how embarrassing it may be," he said.