By Colonel Mavela Masondo
SAPS Mpumalanga
The Mpumalanga Organised Crime of the SAPS has arrested three suspects, aged between 46 and 60, for extortion in connection with a case reported in Kwaggafontein in 2025, Amongst them is a prominent businessman.
The suspects were arrested in the early hours of today, Tuesday 12 May 2026, in the provinces of Gauteng and Mpumalanga respectively.
It is alleged that the suspects demanded money from a businessman over an extended period of time until he reported the matter at Kwaggafontein Police Station. The case was referred to the SAPS Mpumalanga Organised Crime Unit for further investigation, which led to the arrests.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, facing a charge of extortion.
One suspect remains outstanding. At this stage the Police cannot rule out the possibilities of adding more charges against the arrested suspects, in relation to other cases, as the investigation continues.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the SAPS members from Mpumalanga Organised Crime for the arrest.
“The arrest of these suspects sends a clear message that extortion will not be tolerated. Business owners and communities must be able to operate without fear of intimidation and criminal demands.
I commend these men and women in Blue for their dedication and swift action in tracking down the suspects across provincial lines.
We urge anyone who is a victim of extortion to come forward and report it.
The SAPS has specialised units in place to investigate these cases and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law.” said the General.
Ends.
Tshwane Talks readers have been able to read stories in this publication for free for over two years now. We still want our readers to access our stories for free, but we are asking those among our readers who can afford it to contribute at least R30 a month to cover some of the costs of publishing this independent, non-aligned online newspaper which gives a voice to all sectors of society irrespective of race, colour, creed, religion, or political affiliation. You may make your contribution by depositing at least R30 a month into Tshwane Talks' bank account. Details are as follows:
Bank Details
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 10225548834
Account Type: Cheque Account