Suspects nabbed for extortion, intimidation in Johannesburg
Gauteng Police, along with members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), have arrested four suspects for extortion and intimidation in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD).
It is alleged that eight males confronted the employees of a construction company and demanded 30% of their income for the construction to continue.
It is said that the amount should be paid daily.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says the two police departments acted on a tip-off.
"JMPD CCTV Reaction officers responded swiftly to reports of alleged extortion occurring at a construction site for a Total Garage located at the intersection of Simmonds and Thorpe Streets in Marshalltown.
"It was reported that certain individuals, identified as part of a construction mafia, had allegedly demanded R1000 daily from construction workers and had been obstructing access to the site.
"The suspects also interfered with the construction process by parking a grey Mercedes Benz at the entrance, consequently preventing legitimate workers from entering the site.
"Furthermore, the suspects insisted that only their preferred workers from Ward 124 be employed. This claim was disputed by the property owner, who denied any prior agreement with the suspects regarding employment."
Fihla adds that the four males are facing charges of extortion, intimidation and public violence.
"They were detained at Johannesburg Central police station where a case docket has been opened for investigation. The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was seized and booked in at the SAPS vehicle pound."
ALSO READ
