CCN News
KwaZulu-Natal:- Two Men Arrested for Attempting to Bribe Police Officer with R12 600 to Release Relative in Possession of AK47
Police in Upper Tugela have arrested two suspects on charges of bribery and corruption after they allegedly offered R12 600 to the station commander in exchange for the release of a relative who had been detained with an AK47 assault rifle and 13 rounds of ammunition.
According to a statement released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Saturday, 20 December 2025, the incident unfolded when the two men approached the station commander at the Upper Tugela Police Station, offering the cash bribe to secure the immediate release of their detained family member.
The suspects were promptly arrested and are expected to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of corruption and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
The firearm in question, an unlicensed AK47 with live ammunition, remains in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Social Media Reaction: The story quickly gained traction on social media, with many users commenting on the relatively small bribe amount and the broader issue of police corruption.
Some of the most notable reactions included: Bantar Motheoane: “I Wish All Police Officers Taking Bribes Could Read This Post And See How It’s Done. Including Traffic Officers.”
Grant Grimm: “Disrespecting our officers with a meager 12k bribe, it’s a slap in the face to not offer at least a 50k in this situation.
The last one will take bribe😅” Waynand Bezuifenhout (replying to Grant Grimm):
“I wonder if these are still available or the officers have already resold them”
The arrests have once again highlighted ongoing concerns about corruption within the public service, as well as the seriousness with which the police are treating attempts to interfere with the course of justice.
Police have urged anyone with information about corruption to come forward through the SAPS Crime Stop number (08600 10111) or anonymously via the MySAPS app.
