Police arrested six security guards in Umgababa after they were allegedly caught extorting spaza shop owners yesterday.

According to available information, the suspects are all in their 40s and work for a local security company.

When they were caught, they were allegedly using privately owned firearms while in uniform and travelling in branded vehicles to demand money from foreign national shop owners.

Umkomaas and Umzinto police as well as the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority conducted an intelligence-driven operation to nab the suspects.

Three cars, five guns, seven cellphones and R18 000 in cash were recovered when the men were arrested. The suspects will appear in court soon.