By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) confirmed that the arrest of four police officers after they tried to extort R100 000 from a Phoenix businessman.
They are aged between 46 and 31, are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
Spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed the arrest and said they faced charges of corruption.
Three of the policemen are from Gauteng and one is based in Ntuzuma in KwaZulu-Natal.
One of the members is a Crime Intelligence Officer, and two are attached to the Johannesburg Flying Squad. The fourth officer is at Ntuzuma SAPS’s tracing team.
The businessman was driven to Phoenix SAPS where a R100 000 payment was demanded for his release.
The wife of the businessman managed to raise just under R80 000 and a drop-off point was negotiated in the Mount Edgecombe area, which was later changed to Ottawa, near Verulam on the KZN North Coast.
It is further understood that the cops who were travelling in a Ford Ranger were arrested shortly after taking the money.
Police seized the money, the Ford Ranger and various firearms.
Meanwhile four extortionists have been arrested at a construction site of a petrol station in the Johannesburg CBD.
Fullview understands that at least eight suspected extortionists confronted the employees of a construction company and demanded 30% of the income for the construction to continue working.
This amount was to be paid every month.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said law enforcement officials received information about the extortion demand and acted swiftly.
“The Johannesburg Metro Police Department responded swiftly and found the suspects still on the site. Upon seeing the police, four suspects ran away, and the other four suspects were arrested.”
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni commended the members of SAPS and JMPD for responding swiftly and arresting the suspects while still on the scene.
“I’m grateful that the victims were able to call the law enforcement agencies who responded timeously. Extortion and intimidation will not be tolerated within our province, and those involved in these criminal activities will be exposed and dealt with accordingly.
Masondo said the arrested suspects will be profiled to determine if they are involved in other similar cases.
“The police urge the community and business people to continue reporting the cases of extortion by calling the extortion hotline number 082 387 1561 or report to the nearest police station,” Masondo said.