With the spotlight on extortion-related crimes that continue to plague the country, Western Cape (WC) police took down two suspects believed to be part of a group extorting shops in Phillipi.
On Monday morning, at approximately 08:00, the police’s Anti-Economical Crime task team responded to information received of five males carrying firearms who were busy extorting spaza shops in the Kosovo and Samora Machel area.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, when officers reacted to the information and arrived in the area, they were informed by the community members that the suspects moved over to Philippi, to continue with their extortion activities.
The officers traced the suspects to Browns Farm where they saw two males, aged 20 and 22, carrying blue backpacks and acting nervously.
“The members searched the two and found a plastic bag containing an undisclosed amount of coins and a few packets of cigarettes, allegedly taken from some of the shops they extorted.”
After further interrogation, the two suspects led officers to two different addresses in the Covid informal settlement in Mfuleni where the members found an assault rifle which was hidden under a mattress in one of the rooms of the first address. Officers then proceeded to the second address where they found two prohibited firearms.
“Dedicated police members attached to the Anti-Economical Crime task team continue with their quest to eradicate extortion in the Western Cape by arresting those who are believed to perpetrate these crimes and terrorising communities through their heinous criminal activities.” says Lt Col Pojie
Both suspects were detained at Mfuleni SAPS and are expected to make their first court appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court once charged.
Read more: UPDATE: Eighth officer arrested for extortion in Cape Town
