Police tighten grip on extortion-related crimes in W Cape

Collaboration between the community and police in Siqalo, Gugulethu resulted in two men being detained for extortion related complaints.

Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the disgruntled business community informed Gugulethu SAPS members that they were in possession of letters demanding a protection fee.

“The police members met with the business leaders and planned their approach to bring an end to extortionists who hold the community to ransom,” Swartbooi said.

They deployed the members strategically around identified business premises, waiting on the arrival of the persons of interest. 

“Their patience was rewarded when two males aged 19 and 25 entered the premises.”

The police then apprehended the two for extortion on Wednesday. 

Once charged they are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ court. 

Meanwhile, police deployed in Nyanga responded to information of an individual involved with extortion related activities in the policing precinct.

“They operationalised the information at their disposal and approached a house in Abonwabisi Street on Tuesday. 

“Upon entering the house they found the suspect who fitted the description and initiated a search during which they recovered a pistol with ammunition and 195 mandrax tablets found in his possession.”

They detained the 33-year-old man for the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition as well as for the possession of drugs.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ court once charged.

Earlier this month, Saps members attached to K9 Cape Town and the Provincial Operation Command Centre Combat Team also arrested two men for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition 

The members followed up on information received about a silver/grey VW Polo that was involved with extortion and that the occupants were going to collect money at a shopping mall in Somerset West. 

“The members placed themselves in positions, and the vehicle was then spotted leaving the mall direction to the N2 highway. The members pulled the vehicle over on the N2 before Mew Way Road and searched the occupants and vehicle. 

“A silver Norinco firearm with 15 rounds was found hidden away under the front passenger seat,” police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said. 

The firearm and ammunition were confiscated and handed in at Khayelitsha SAPS as exhibits. The vehicle was booked in at Stikland for processing and further investigation.

Cape Times