| 2024/07/10 |
|
Media Statement EASTERN CAPE – Bandile Lisa (45), Silumlo Hlanjwa (33), Mangaliso Mdlankomo (38), Phumlani Volonqo (26), Masithembe Emete (33) and Vusumzi Sidinile (30) appeared before the Alice Magistrates court on 10 July 2024 facing allegations of extortion. The sextet was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation working together with Alice South African Police Service members on 07 July 2024. It is alleged that on 07 July 2024, a foreign national came to Alice Community Service Centre (CSC) to report suspects that had arrived at their shop demanding the whereabouts of the shop owner, from whom the suspects came to collect cash as part of extortion (Protection fee). The complainant further indicated that the suspects were driving two Volkswagen Polo vehicles and he also gave the description of the suspects. The reports revealed that the shift members swiftly responded to the complaint and followed the information which led to where members spotted the said vehicles at McNab Street in Alice. The team stopped the vehicles that were driven by the alleged suspects. Furthermore, the suspects reportedly started fleeing from the vehicles to evade the arrest. During the chase, the team apprehend six suspects and two others evaded arrest. Upon searching, the police recovered three 9mm pistols with their serial numbers filed off and live rounds of ammunition. The firearms confiscated are still to be linked to the respective suspects through ballistic testing. The suspects were arrested on the spot. All the items found were seized inclusive of the vehicles for further investigation. All six suspects appeared before the Alice Magistrates Court on 10 July 2024 and were remanded in custody. The matter is remanded to 17 July 2024 for profiling. Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService |
|
|
