Cape Town law enforcement officers face court over extortion charges

Two Cape Town law enforcement officers accused of targeting foreign-owned spaza shops is expected to face strong opposition in their call to be granted bail.

The duo made an appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday following their arrest on Tuesday.

Justin McKay and Christopher Noel Molifie face seven charges, including robbery, theft, kidnapping and extortion.

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the state is standing against the two men's release out on parole

 “The accused, Justin McKay and Christopher Noel Molifie, Law Encorcement Officers, made their first appearance at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court, facing seven charges which include robbery, theft, kidnapping and extortion. Their case has been remanded until December 10 for the presence of accused’s legal representatives and discussion among the parties on bail. The State intends to oppose their application for bail,” he said.

The pair were arrested on Tuesday by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team, working with the City’s Safety and Security Information Management Services, as detailed in information released on Tuesday.

That earlier information revealed the officers, attached to the City’s Metal Theft Unit  had allegedly been extorting money from foreign spaza shop owners since January. Investigators also believe they stole cigarettes worth more than R600 000 during one of the incidents while a victim was being processed at the Phillipi East police station.

It was also confirmed that they had been arrested before, in May, on similar allegations and were released on bail.

Both officers will be suspended as the City’s internal disciplinary process continues.

McKay and Molifie return to court next week, when the battle over bail is expected to unfold.

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Cape Argus