Police reservist arrested in Limpopo

A police reservist, who allegedly posed as a Hawks member and then tried to elicit a bribe from a businessman, has been arrested, the unit said on Sunday.

Hawks spokesman McIntosh Polela said the reservist, who is allegedly part of a larger crime syndicate, accused a Durban-based businessman of selling illegal cars.

The police reservist apparently then threatened to arrest the businessman if he did not give over R350,000.

The businessman, who imports used cars into Durban and sells them to neighbouring countries, promised to pay the money but instead notified the Hawks.

When the reservist was subsequently arrested on Saturday, he was found in possession of a Mercedes-Benz that had been reported stolen in Cape Town.

Inside the stolen car, police found a police uniform, several identity badges and an official police firearm.

The reservist, who is in his 30's, will appear in court in Durban soon on charges of corruption.