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Police Constable Bontle Kekana, 31, from the Naledi police station in Gauteng, found herself in court this week after being arrested by the Hawks for corruption and extortion. The arrest follows an investigation into her alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme where she extorted money from a detainee.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, the Hawks are committed to rooting out corruption within the police force. Kekana’s arrest came after a report was filed by a complainant who detailed how the constable allegedly took advantage of her position.
The incident began on February 9, 2025, when the complainant was approached by Kekana and another individual who entered his property. Kekana, posing as a detective, accused him of being involved in a cell phone robbery case reported at Naledi’s Shoprite. Despite the complainant’s protestations, he was taken to the store where the robbery victim identified him as the suspect. He was subsequently arrested and detained at the Jabulani police station.
However, the situation took a darker turn when Kekana reportedly proposed a deal to the robbery complainant. She allegedly suggested that the case could be dropped if he purchased a new cellphone for her. When the complainant requested to settle the matter with cash instead, Kekana demanded a bribe of R1,500, which he handed over after withdrawing the money from his bank account. Yet, she insisted that the amount was insufficient and further demanded an additional R3,000, threatening continued detention if he refused.
This unlawful extortion was reported to the Hawks’ serious corruption investigation (SCI) team, who swiftly launched a sting operation. On Wednesday, Kekana was arrested at the Naledi police station and charged with corruption and extortion for receiving the R3,000.
Kekana made her first appearance in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Friday and was granted bail of R1,500. The case was postponed to April 7 for further investigation.
The arrest was hailed by Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the Gauteng provincial head of the Hawks. He commended the West Rand SCI team for their swift action and reiterated the Hawks’ zero-tolerance policy towards corruption within the police force.
“Any member of our force who engages in unlawful activities will be held accountable and face the full force of the law,” Kadwa emphasized.
