Three Mthatha cops and their ‘commander’ face kidnapping rap

Three Eastern Cape police officers were expected to appear in the Dutywa Magistrate Court on Wednesday where they are facing kidnapping charges.

The two constables and a sergeant are from the Mthatha police stations and are members of the flying squad.

They were arrested on Monday.

Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Brigadier Marinda Mills said the charges related to a May 14 incident in which the members allegedly kidnapped a man from his Dutywa home.

"The members were wearing uniforms and driving in a marked police vehicle when they approached the complainant in Machibini village. They allegedly searched his house‚ indicating that they were following up on information relating to illegal firearms."

Mills said the officers were in the company of a fourth man‚ whom they allegedly falsely identified as their commander.

After finding no firearms‚ the officers and their "commander" allegedly ordered the homeowner to accompany them to Mthatha where he would withdraw money using his bank cards.

Police officers were tipped off about the incident and dispatched more members to investigate.

"We stopped withdrawals before they could happen and immediately arrested the fourth man who was driving with the complainant that day‚" Mills said.

She said further investigation implicated the three police officers leading to their arrest on Monday