A suspected Brown’s Farm extortionist was arrested on Friday morning, after being sought by local police for several days.
According to police, the 21-year-old suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation by members of various units operating under Lockdown III.
On Wednesday, the officers received reports that the suspect was demanding a protection fee from a hair salon in Philippi. Officers went to the mentioned salon and on arrival, they were informed that the victim had paid the amount to the suspect, who was no longer in the vicinity.
According to police Constable Ndakhe Gwala, the intelligence team investigated the matter and uncovered the suspects’ address on Thursday.
Gwala says the members descended at the suspects’ home in Nobanda Street, Woody Bay, Browns Farm, Philippi, on Friday and found the 21-year-old.
During his arrest, he pointed out to the members where he had hidden his firearm, a silver modified Retay 84 FS with seven rounds of ammunition.
The suspect was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm, and he will appear at the Athlone Magistrate’s court on Monday.
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