EMPD SWAT unit was at Eastgate Shopping Mall on January 8 after receiving information on money being delivered strategically via extortion.
EMPD spokesperson Wilfred Kgasago said a Bedfordview resident was subject to extortion from a 34-year-old suspect via WhatsApp, demanding R30 000 and posing threats to his family.
Kgasago said the suspect had been communicating with the man via WhatsApp for a while and had extensive knowledge of his family.
“The suspect expressed knowledge about the family’s movements, such as where his children go to school and even where his wife works,” said Kgasago.
Kgasago said the suspect told the man he knew he was wealthy and told him he would do something drastic to his family if he does not pay the R30 000.
“The suspect was pounced upon when he picked up the bag of cash and arrested. The cash was recovered and a cellphone found on the suspect reflected the threatening messages he had been sending to the victim,” said Kgasago.
Kgasago said the suspect claimed he knew the family well and attended school with the victim.
He added the suspect said he was not a criminal, but was in dire need of the money.
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“The recovered money and confiscated cellphone were booked in at Bedfordview Police Station and the man locked up and charged with extortion,” said Kgasago.
Bedfordview SAPS Cpt André de Jager said the victim contacted the BCPF who then made contact with the SAPS Crime Intelligence head office.
“A sting operation was set up by SAPS Crime Intelligence with the assistance of EMPD SWAT, as well as a hostage negotiator,” said de Jager.
De Jager said the suspect hired a VW Polo in Kempton Park to commit the crime.
He appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on January 9.
“The case has been remanded to January 21. The suspect will remain in custody,” said de Jager.
