Free State police officers have arrested three suspects, aged 44, 58, and 80. They were reacting to a highway extortion incident that targeted a taxi driver and his passengers on the N8.

Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli said the incident took place on Thursday, 25 June, when the taxi driver was transporting 15 passengers, including elderly people and children, from Botshabelo to Durban on the N8 highway.

 “(The driver of 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 to force it to a standstill, three male suspects exited the Hilux and confronted the taxi driver, demanding to know who had authorized him to operate on their route,” he said.

Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli. Photo: Bloemfontein Courant

The driver produced his valid long driving permit but the suspects forced all passengers out of the vehicle demanding cash. “The driver explained he had no cash on hand to satisfy their demands, and the suspects unloaded the luggage. Fearing for their lives and safety stranded passengers collectively pooled together their money.”

A total of more than R2,000 was raised and handed to the driver, who paid the ransom to the suspects.

A case of extortion was registered at Selosesha police station. On Monday (13/7) members of the Mangaung Metro District Operational Command Centre East task team were activated to track down the suspects. They were traced and arrested.

Provincial police commissioner Gen. Thabang Lesia condemned the incident. “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,” said Lesia.

The arrests serve as a warning that law enforcement will continue to pursue those involved in illegal activities and bring them before the courts.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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