Emfuleni Municipality employee among suspects arrested for extortion

The Hawks have made another breakthrough in the ongoing fight against extortion related crimes with the arrest of two people including an employee of the Emfuleni Municipality in Gauteng.

The two men aged 39 and 51 were arrested in a multi-disciplinary sting operation in Sharpeville on Tuesday following information about people involved in extortion in the Vaal area.

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said information was received from the Modus Operandi Centre and operationalised with the assistance of the Hawks in Vaalrand, Sedibeng Infrastructure unit and Emfuleni Forensic Investigation unit.

“The multi-disciplinary team arranged an authorised meeting with the suspects during which money exchanged hands. Immediately after the transaction, the suspects were arrested and in their possession the trap money was recovered as well as in their vehicle. The pair is in custody facing charges of extortion pending their first court appearance whilst the investigation continues,” she said.

The breakthrough came a day after officers attached to the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit and Johannesburg Metro Police Department arrested four suspects for extortion and intimidation in the city centre on Monday.

Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said it is alleged that eight men confronted the employees of a construction company and demanded a 30% of the income for the construction to continue, and that amount should be paid every month.

“Information was related to the police and members of South African Police Service, and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department responded swiftly and found the suspects still on the site. Upon seeing the police, four suspects ran away, and the other four suspects were arrested,” said Masondo.

Gauteng police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni hailed the officers for their prompt response, saying: "I'm grateful that the victims were able to call the law enforcement agencies who responded timeously. Extortion and intimidation will not be tolerated in our province, and those involved in these criminal activities will be exposed and dealt with accordingly."

Cape Times