Two suspects aged 33 and 35 were arrested by the Hawks Kidnapping task team in a joint intelligence driven operation with Provincial Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and Magma Security members in Stutterheim on Thursday, 24 August 2023 for allegations of extortion.

On 22 August 2023 information was received about suspects collecting protection fee in Stutterheim from the businesses of foreign nationals. Information was followed and the team planned an operation for 24 August 2023. At about 14:30, the suspects allegedly collected money from one of the businesses and were heading towards the direction of Engen garage on foot when they were approached by the members and were apprehended on the spot. The money that was collected was also recovered.

The suspects are expected to appear in Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court soon.

The joint effort of the team that is hell bent to eradicate the mushrooming extortion criminal tendencies is once more commended by the Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya.

Source: South African Police Service