The JMPD arrested four suspects at a construction site for alleged extortion. (@JoburgMPD/X, formerly Twitter)
- Four suspected extortionists have been arrested in Johannesburg.
- They allegedly demanded R1 000 daily from construction workers.
- They face charges of extortion, intimidation and public violence.
Four alleged extortionists have been arrested for allegedly demanding R1 000 daily from construction workers at a site at the intersection of Simmonds and Thorpe Streets in Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
On Monday, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers responded to a report on the alleged extortion .
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said “certain individuals, identified as part of a construction mafia”, had allegedly demanded R1 000 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,” he said.
“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.”
READ | ‘You will suffer’: Investigating officer links 5 men to extortion plot in Durban
The four men have been detained at the Johannesburg Central police station and face charges of extortion, intimidation and public violence.
Fihla said the JMPD would have more operations to “put an end to these unlawful activities”.
“We would like to reassure the public that the City of Johannesburg is fully committed to eradicating the influence of such criminal groups and maintaining a safe environment for all businesses and construction projects in our city. Our decisive action today illustrates that we will not tolerate any form of extortion or intimidation,” he said.
