SEDIBENG – The ANC in Sedibeng has confirmed that one of its Boitshepiville branch leaders was arrested in Sharpeville on Tuesday on allegations of extortion.
This follows the government’s promise to smash extortion gangs holding the country’s multi-billion-rand infrastructure programmes to ransom.
Responding to Ster, ANC Sedibeng spokesperson Velile Mkhontwana confirmed the allegation that one of the party’s leaders, also an employee of the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) was arrested, together with an accomplice. The arrests formed part of a multi-disciplinary sting operation in Sharpeville yesterday.
The duo, 51 and 39 years old respectively, were caught following a tip-off about individuals involved in extortion in the Vaal.
In a media statement issued to the paper, Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said: “It is reported that information was received from the Modus Operandi Centre and operationalised with the assistance of the Directorate for Priority Crime Serious Corruption Investigation in Vaalrand, Sedibeng Infrastructure unit, and Emfuleni Forensic Investigation unit.
“The multi-disciplinary team arranged an authorised meeting with the suspects where money exchanged hands. Immediately after the transaction, the suspects were arrested and, in their possession, the trap money was recovered,” she said.
Mogale added that the pair remains in custody facing charges of extortion pending their first court appearance whilst the investigation continues.
Confirming the news, Mkhontwana said the party is monitoring the developments.
“The ANC in Sedibeng has learnt with concern of the recent arrest of one of our branch leaders in Boitshepiville. The ANC is observing the police investigation with keen interest and, in the same breath, condemns with contempt any activities of extortion or hijacking of projects, as they deprive our communities of much-needed development,” he said.
ELM spokesperson Chuchi Radebe confirmed with Ster that the municipality is aware of the arrest.
“We can confirm that an employee of our Water and Sanitation Department, Metsi-a-Lekoa was arrested. The matter is currently with the SAPS and as a result, a detailed statement will be shared with members of the media and public once there are further developments,” he said.
