Four men, including a serving police officer, are expected back in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 August in connection with an alleged extortion operation targeting more than 50 businesses in Kayamandi and Stellenbosch.

The accused are Madada Sibango (53), his sons Sandile Sibango (28) and Yamkela Ronald Sibango (23), and businessman Abdulahi Ali Mursal (48).

Sandile Sibango is a police officer.

The four face charges of extortion, money laundering as well as alleged contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

Police arrested them in Bellville on Sunday 16 August during a coordinated operation following an investigation into extortion in Kayamandi and Stellenbosch.

They appeared in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 18 August. The court remanded them in custody until 25 August for a formal bail application and further investigation.

More than 50 businesses allegedly targeted

According to the NPA, information contained in the police docket alleges that Madada Sibango extorted money from more than 50 Somali and Ethiopian business owners operating in Kayamandi and Stellenbosch.

Mursal allegedly assisted by collecting specified amounts of money from the business owners on predetermined dates over approximately a month.

Police seized about R120 000 in cash during the operation.

Officers also seized four vehicles, valued at an estimated R3 million, as well as cellphones allegedly linked to the operation.

Several firearms were also seized during the arrests.

Investigation spans two years

Western Cape police’s Serious Violent Crime detectives led the operation, supported by Crime Intelligence, the SAPS Drone Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority, City of Cape Town officials and the Financial Intelligence Centre.

Police said the project investigation was established two years ago to probe extortion-related crime affecting businesses in the Stellenbosch area.

Western Cape Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Major-General Bongani Maqhashalala said investigators had identified the network, its leadership structure and operating model before targeting the group.

Police have indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation continues.

The four accused are expected to apply for bail when they return to court on Tuesday.

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