| 2024/07/24 |
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Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM – A former ward councillor at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Letlhogonolo Molefi (39), appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court today, on charges of intimidation, extortion and obstruction at the construction site. Molefe was arrested on Tuesday, 23 July 2024, during an undercover operation by the Provincial Organised Crime and Crime Intelligence working together with Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT). According to information, Provincial Organised Crime received information on Thursday, 18 July 2024, from a contractor who was installing fibre on the N12 road between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad as well as between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom, about community members who were intimidating them. The contractor was on Monday, 15 July 2024, allegedly approached by two males who introduced themselves as representatives of the Klerksdorp community and demanded jobs. Furthermore, the suspects demanded immediate payment R50 000.00 protection fee. The victim was also instructed to leave the site and to come back when they have money to pay the suspects. It is alleged that the victims abandoned the site for five days, but the suspects kept on calling him about the payment. Molefe was eventually arrested in Klerksdorp during an undercover operation and found in possession of the state money. The accused was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 27 August 2024, for formal bail application. The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated all members involved in the operation and said the arrest will serve as an indication that crime does not pay and that no disruptions will be tolerated at constructions sites. Ends
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