Extortion ring smashed: 2 arrested over illegal electricity scam in Pretoria

Two suspects have been arrested after terrorised residents of the Silahliwe informal settlement in Mamelodi East exposed a ruthless extortion ring operating in their community.

According to Pretoria Rekord, vulnerable community members were systematically intimidated and forced to pay the suspects for illegal electricity connections.

Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that the suspects, aged 35 and 46, were cornered and handcuffed during a targeted police operation conducted in Mamelodi East yesterday (July 14).

The breakthrough came to light on Monday (July 13) when 23 brave community members marched into the Mamelodi East police station to blow the whistle on the syndicate. An extortion case was immediately registered and handed over to specialised detectives for a deeper probe.

Police investigations reveal that the illicit scheme dates back to October 2025. The suspects reportedly began extracting money from 150 households under the false promise of facilitating unlawful electricity grids, using fear and intimidation to keep residents in line.

Following the formal complaints, members of Crime Intelligence and the Mamelodi East Crime Prevention Unit launched a swift tactical operation, tracking down and arresting the two suspects linked to the scheme.

However, police are not done yet. Sibeko stated that the investigation remains wide open as officers actively hunt for two additional suspects believed to be key players in the syndicate.

The two arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court shortly to face formal charges of extortion.

Gauteng SAPS management has highly commended the residents for their bravery in exposing the criminal activity, noting that these arrests are part of a broader, aggressive campaign to root out protection rackets and extortion-related crimes in township communities.

“Gauteng police have welcomed the co-operation shown by the community and encourage residents to continue reporting these activities,” Sibeko said.

She urged anyone with further information to report criminal behavior anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop hotline on 086 0010 111, or through the MySAPS mobile application.

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