Five suspected extortionists arrested after high-speed chase in Gugulethu

Five suspected extortionists are in custody after a high-speed chase as police seized an undisclosed amount of cash and a hijacked vehicle. 

According to the South African Police Service, officers and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement were conducting crime prevention initiatives in Gugulethu before the dramatic incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg reported: “Members of Gugulethu SAPS and Law Enforcement were conducting crime prevention initiatives to curb extortion related crime in the Gugulethu area when they noticed a white Suzuki in NY78. 

“The members tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver sped off. A high speed chase ensued and the vehicle was stopped in Naude Street, KTC. 

“Upon searching the occupants and the vehicle the members found a undisclosed amount of cash in the vehicle. 

“Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was hijacked in Mfuleni in November.” He added that he suspects, aged between 22 and 27, are facing extortion and possession of a hijacked vehicle charges and will appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

In an unrelated incident, Anti-Gang Unit officers in Steenberg arrested a murder suspect who was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm on Saturday night.

Twigg added: “The members followed up information about the suspect in Retreat. 

“The man fitting the description was apprehended and a .38 Special revolver and ten rounds of ammunition were found in his possession. 

“Investigation revealed that the suspect is also wanted for murder and attempted murder cases in Steenberg. 

Twigg confirmed the man will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court once he has been charged for the mentioned crimes.

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