Alleged extortion kingpins nabbed

Alleged extortion kingpins believed to be operating in eShowe and Durban were dealt a blow last week, after three suspects were arrested by Provincial Organised Crime officers.

The officers, with tactical response teams from Empangeni and Durban, as well as the Durban Central K9 unit, Provincial Criminal Record Centre, and Extortion Task Team, on Friday executed a warrant of arrest at a residence in the Ntumeni area of eShowe.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda explained that during the operation, police went to the residence of the accused, and on their arrival found two security guards, one of whom was in possession of a firearm with a filed off serial number.

“The guard was arrested for being in possession of a prohibited firearm. Inside the house, police arrested a 42-year-old alleged extortionist.

An undisclosed amount of money was found in the house and was seized.

Three vehicles, believed to be the proceeds of crime, were seized, and the Asset Forfeiture unit has begun the process of preparing preservation orders.

“A simultaneous operation was held in Durban, and a 40-year-old man was arrested.

He was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing.

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

All three suspects are expected to appear before various courts imminently.

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