Two suspected extortionists arrested in Mamelodi

Two suspected extortionists have been arrested for allegedly extorting money from residents in Tshwane.

It is understood the suspects, aged 33 and 46, were handcuffed in Mamelodi East this week.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said during their arrest the duo were found in possession of two register books and an undisclosed amount of money.

Protection fees

“It is reported that the suspects were wanted for an assault case opened in September 2024 whereby they assaulted the victim with sjamboks after failing to pay the “protection fee.”

“Both suspects are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 3 October 2024 on charges of assault GBH and extortion,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Nevhuhulwi has urged people who have fallen victim to extortion crimes to open cases.

“The police with the assistance of crime intelligence information will continue to conduct these operations to address extortion activities at affected areas in Tshwane District.”

ALSO READ: Two suspected extortionists killed in shootout with Eastern Cape police

Extortionists killed

Last week, two suspected extortionists were killed in a shootout with police in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said police were notified about the suspects allegedly collecting money from local businesses in Gaduka village.

“Members from the National Intervention Unit speedily responded, and while approaching the village, they spotted the identified vehicle (VW Polo). They managed to stop it, the suspects stepped out of the vehicle and started shooting towards the members who then returned fire.

“During the shoot-out, two suspects were fatally shot while police members got away unharmed. On investigation, Police recovered two unlicensed firearms and ammunition and an undisclosed amount of cash. The vehicle is confiscated as it was used in the commission of crime,” Mawisa said.

Extortion in SA

On Tuesday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu revealed that the Western Cape had the highest number of extortion cases investigated by the South African Police Service (Saps).

The Western Cape had the highest number of cases, with 119 reported, followed by the Eastern Cape with 71.

The other provinces reported the following numbers:

• Gauteng: 47
• KwaZulu-Natal (KZN): 46
• North West: 18
• Limpopo: 7
• Mpumalanga: 3
• Free State: 1

The Northern Cape is the only province with no open extortion cases currently under investigation.

Additional reporting by Molefe Seeletsa

ALSO READ: Police minister reveals which provinces in SA have the most extortion cases