An alleged merchant from Kuils River, who cops say used his taxi business to move drugs across the Cape Flats, is behind bars.
After a three-year investigation, cops on Friday nabbed Rudi Lakay, 32, of R. Lakay Passenger Services Trading, after he paid more than R1 million in cash for a house.
His Kuils River flat as well as the homes of 10 of his drivers, who are alleged gangsters, were also raided.
Lakay along with Ike Collins, Christian Green, Jonathan Hermanus, Dwaine Rhode, Quinton Booysen, Almeiro Isaks, Mario de Wee, Eben George, Dylon Lakay and Leon Erasmus made their first appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court where they face more than 100 charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) for running the drug syndicate.
A source close to the case says Lakay is allegedly the mastermind behind the syndicate which merts in areas such as Kuils River and Kalkfontein.
“He is not a gangster, but all the people arrested with him are,” says the source.
“For years now he has used the taxi company as a front for transporting drugs. He only has one permit, but lots of taxis which also drive normal taxi routes. He works mostly with 26s gang members and they move the drugs from his Kuils River flat to the drug houses using the taxis.
AGENDA: The ‘mastermind’ allegedly used his taxi business as a front for drug dealing
“Recently he bought a property in Kuils River and paid more than R1 million in cash. He uses the taxi business to launder the money into his account, but the investigation revealed he has not submitted a tax return since 2012.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk says a multi-disciplinary task team executed a “takedown” operation in the early hours of Friday morning.
“The suspects, aged between 25 and 36, were arrested at Victoria and La Paloma Flats in Kuils River,” he says.
“They are facing over 100 charges in terms of POCA. The Transportation Board, SARS and the Asset Forfeiture Unit form part of the investigation, which is guided by a dedicated prosecutor from the National Prosecuting Authority.
BROUGHT TO BOOK: Lakay and 10 others had appeared in court
“During the raid, six suspected drug dens were visited and a substantial amount of cash, two hard drives and six cellphones were seized.”
The source says the hard drive, which contains CCTV footage from inside Lakay’s apartment, will reveal his illegal operations.
While standing in the dock, several “26” tattoos could be seen on the arms and necks of the suspects.
Advocate Helene Booysen said three other accused were already in prison while police were still searching for two more suspects.
The case was postponed to 26 November for the bail information hearing and the 11 men were sent to Goodwood Prison.