COPS BUST EXTORTION GANG

A GANG of spaza shop extortionists were vasgevat by cops on the Cape Flats on Friday. 

According police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, three men were busted after an operation had linked the trio to a reign of terror in the townships, where they targeted huiswinkels, shebeens and other businesses.   

Van Wyk reported: On Friday 14 November, an intelligence led operation was launched starting from 12.30am by members of Mfuleni Crime Intelligence in conjunction with the Provincial Combat Team. 

“The focus areas of the operation was Mfuleni, Delft and Philippi East.

“Information was received concerning an extortion group that is terrorizing community members in Mfuleni. Information indicated that the group is extorting spaza shop, tavern owners, and other businesses in Covid Informal settlement, Mfuleni. 

“Information also indicated that the group is operating in other areas such as Philippi East, Nyanga, Delft and Khayelitsha. 

“It is further alleged that the group is involved in armed robberies and other serious and violent crimes.

The leader of the syndicate was positively identified and he and two others were arrested.

“The suspects were apprehended and found to be in possession of one Glock pistol, and 47 rounds of ammunition. 

“In Mfuleni, one suspect was found to be in possession of a 9mm Pistol, two rounds, one shotgun round, one broken Sniper Rifle with a scope. 

“And in Delft a suspect was found to be in possession of a rifle, and 14 rounds of ammunition.

“The suspects are also linked to an armed robbery perpetrated earlier this month in Mfuleni.” 

Van Wyk added their seized firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they have been used in the commission of any other crimes.

The suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday.