CAPE TOWN – A coordinated response to the high incidence of extortion related crime afflicting local businesses within the Stellenbosch area has culminated in a take-down operation that saw the arrest of four suspects on Sunday evening, 16 August 2026.
The take down operation led by provincial serious violent crime detectives was executed in Bellville with the support of crime intelligence, drone unit, national prosecuting authority, city of Cape Town security officials and the financial intelligence centre.
The four arrests comprise three family members from Nyanga(father and two sons) one of whom is a police constable and a Somalian businessman who allegedly collected money on behalf of the extortion ring.
It is alleged that the suspects extorted money from over 50 Somali and Ethiopian businessmen in the Khayamandi and Stellenbosch area. With the assistance of the Somalian businessman who is believed to have collected the specified amounts of money on stipulated dates within a month on behalf of the suspects, the alleged extortionists would receive substantial amounts of cash on regular basis.
During the take down operation the following exhibits were seized:
- R120 000 in cash
- four vehicles used by the suspects in the commission of the crime (estimated value of R3 million)
- a number of cellular phones
The suspects aged 23, 27, 47 and 53 are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates court on Tuesday, 18 August 2026 on charges that relate to the crime of extortion, money laundering and contravention of sections of the prevention of organised crime act (POCA).
With the project investigation that was established two years ago gaining momentum, more arrests are expected in due course.
Western Cape SAPS management has commended the efforts of all role players involved in ensuring that the extortion ring is dismantled. Community members are encouraged to report extortion related crime to the Extortion line 0800 31 4444.
