SEVERAL extortion suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday,  September 29, following a police operation on Friday.

During an undisclosed operation the Provincial Organized Crime Unit officers, working together with Tactical Response Teams from Empangeni and Durban, as well as Durban Central K9 unit, Provincial Criminal Record Centre and Extortion Task Team, executed a warrant of arrest at a residence in Eshowe.

“When police arrived at the residence, they found two security guards and one of them was found in possession of a firearm whose serial number was filed off. He was duly arrested for being in possession of a prohibited firearm,” explained SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

“Inside the house, police arrested a 42-year-old suspected extortionist. An undisclosed amount of money was found in the house and was seized. Three vehicles, also believed to be the proceeds of crime, were seized and the Asset Forfeiture Unit has begun the process of preparation of preservation orders.

“A simultaneous operation was held in Durban on the same day which led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man. He was found in possession of a licensed firearm and ammunition. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing,” added Netshiunda.

The suspects are believed to have been extorting money from owners of student residences and from businesses, especially those owned by foreign nationals.

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