Three suspects age 44, 58, and 80, arrested in connection with a highway extortion incident on the N8 highway photo supplied
By Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli
Free State Provincial Corporate Communication
A coordinated response by dedicated police officers has led to the successful arrest of three suspects, aged 44, 58, and 80, in connection with a highway extortion incident on the N8 highway.
On Thursday, 25 June 2026, at approximately 23:45, a taxi driver was transporting 15 passengers including elderly individuals and children, from Botshabelo towards Durban.
Whilst traveling on the N8 highway between Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, a Toyota Hilux GD6 with Free State (FS) registration plates overtook the taxi at high speed, before stopping recklessly in front of the Toyota Quantum forcing it to standstill.
Three male suspects exited the Hilux and confronted the taxi driver, demanding to know who had authorized him to operate on their route.
Despite the driver producing his valid long-distance driving permit, the suspects forced all passengers out of the vehicle into the freezing dark night.
When the driver explained he had no cash on hand to satisfy their demands, one of the suspects began unloading the passengers’ luggage from the trailer.
Fearing for their lives and safety in the sub-zero temperatures, the stranded passengers collectively pooled together their money.
A total of R2,500.00 was raised and handed to the driver, who paid the ransom to the suspects.
The victims were then allowed to leave, and a case of extortion was registered on 1 July 2026 at Selosesha Police Station for further investigation.
On Monday, 13 July 2026, members of the Mangaung Metro District Operational Command Centre (DOCC) East Task Team who were on their rest days were activated to track down the suspects.
Through meticulous investigative work, all three suspects were successfully traced and arrested between 14:00 and 17:00 at various locations.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Thaba Nchu Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, has strongly condemned the incident and lauded the operational team for their swift action:
”Extortion and the intimidation of public transport operators will not be tolerated in the Free State.
Forcing vulnerable citizens, including the elderly and young children, out into the freezing cold to demand a ransom is both heartless and unlawful.
I highly commend the members of the Mangaung Metro DOCC East Task Team who selflessly sacrificed their rest days to ensure these suspects were swiftly brought to book.
Their commitment sends a clear message: the law will catch up with criminals anywhere including on our roads.”
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