By Everson Luhanga
- A suspect linked to taxi violence and extortion in East London was arrested in Midrand during a police operation.
- The arrest followed allegations of threats, property destruction, and firearm-related offences.
A 60-year-old woman has been arrested in Midrand for extortion, malicious damage to property, and pointing a firearm.
Police say her arrest brings an end to her alleged reign of terror.
Police spokesperson Major-General Nonkululeko Phokane said the suspect is linked to taxi violence and extortion cases in East London.
“She was allegedly always accompanied by armed men when she threatened her victims and extorted money from them. The victims’ properties were also allegedly demolished on her instruction,” said Phokane.
An interprovincial operation was carried out in Midrand, Gauteng, on Monday, 17 March. A multi-disciplinary team, including the National Intervention Unit, Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations, Tactical Response Team, and the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit, acted on intelligence that led to her arrest.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 19 March.
In 2024, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu set up a national task team to tackle extortion crimes, with special teams deployed to stop gang violence and extortion.
The public is urged to report crimes to their nearest police station, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, the National Extortion Hotline at 0800 911 011, or anonymously via the MySAPS app.
Pictured above: Taxi‘s.
Image source: File
