Four suspects, including a police constable, have been arrested in a takedown operation in Bellville on Sunday evening, 16 August, targeting an extortion ring preying on businesses in the Stellenbosch area.

Police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwa said provincial serious violent crime detectives led the operation, with support from crime intelligence, the drone unit, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), City of Cape Town security officials and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

More than 50 businesses targeted

Those arrested include three family members from Nyanga, a father and his two sons, one of whom is a police constable, and a Somali businessman who allegedly collected money on behalf of the extortion ring.

Police allege that the suspects extorted money from more than 50 Somali and Ethiopian businessmen in the Kayamandi and Stellenbosch areas. The Somali businessman is believed to have collected specified amounts on stipulated dates within a month on behalf of the suspects, who received substantial amounts of cash on a regular basis.

Cash and vehicles seized

During the operation, police seized R120 000 in cash, four vehicles, valued at an estimated R3 million, allegedly used by the suspects, and several cellular phones.

The suspects, aged 23, 27, 47 and 53, are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 18 August, on charges of extortion, money laundering and contravention of sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

More arrests expected

The investigation, launched two years ago, has been gaining momentum. Police say more arrests are expected in due course.

Western Cape police management has commended the efforts of all role players involved in dismantling the extortion ring.

Community members are encouraged to report extortion-related crime to the Extortion Line on 0800 31 4444.

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