Joburg CBD crackdown: Police nab suspected construction mafia extortionists

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the arrests followed reports of eight individuals allegedly confronting employees of a construction company.

“It is alleged that eight males confronted the employees of a construction company and demanded a 30% of the income for the construction to continue, and that amount should be paid every month,” Masondo said.

Upon receiving the report, law enforcement swiftly mobilised, with officers from both SAPS and JMPD converging on the scene.

#sapsGP #SAPS Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit and Johannesburg Metro Police Department arrested 4 suspects for extortion and intimidation in JHB CBD today.

It is alleged that 8 males confronted the employees of a construction company and demanded a 30% of the income… pic.twitter.com/WGYH0GxPEH

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 9, 2024

Upon arrival, four suspects attempted to flee, while the remaining four were apprehended without incident, said Masondo.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni commended the rapid response of the police forces involved.

“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,” said Mthombeni.

“I commend our officers for their swift action in apprehending the suspects on site,” said Lieutenant General Mthombeni. “Extortion and intimidation have no place in our province, and we remain resolute in our commitment to root out such criminal activities.”

The arrested individuals will undergo profiling to ascertain any possible involvement in similar cases.