Duo nabbed for allegedly extorting hotel following Hawks’ sting operation in Parktown
PARKTOWN – Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, communication officer at the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation explained that the suspects said that they were contracted by the City of Joburg to collect debt owed by its customers.
Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Germiston and Johannesburg teamed up and arrested two suspects, aged 35 and 43, for corruption and extortion charges at a restaurant in Parktown, Johannesburg on Thursday, 15 October.
Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, communication officer at the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Gauteng said the suspects were arrested for soliciting a bribe of R67 000 and impersonating officials from a debt collecting company contracted to the City of Joburg.
“The two unemployed suspects, one from Midrand and the other from Windmill Park approached an employee of a hotel and told her they were from a debt collecting company that is contracted to the City. They then proceeded to inform her that the hotel owes the City R323 000 but they can reduce the amount owed by R12 000 if the hotel gives them R67 000.”
Mulamu said the suspect sent an invoice indicating that the balance was reduced by R12 000. “The complainant then agreed to meet the suspect and pay him the R67 000. The complainant then contacted the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) department and a sting operation was then set up working together with the members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) commonly known as the Hawks. The Hawks had given the complainant R10 000 to make it seem like she was indeed paying them to erase the bill. When the time to meet up came, GFIS and Hawks closely monitored the situation. Immediately when the complainant handed over the money, the teams swooped in and arrested them. “
READ MORE: Hawks launch manhunt for dangerous suspects – R100 000 reward
GFIS will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with institutions such as the Hawks, Saps and all other institutions within the criminal justice system to ensure that the residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.@CityofJoburgZA @GeoffMakhubo @MatongoMmc
— CoJ Group Forensic and Investigation Service (@coj_gfis) October 15, 2020
The duo is expected to appear before the Hillbrow Magistrates’ Court today, 16 October.
An investigation is ongoing.
Details: Hawks Gauteng 011 776 5375.
Related article:
