7 suspects to appear in court for allegedly extorting mine owners in Mpumalanga’s Carolina

JOHANNESBURG - Seven suspects are expected to appear at the Carolina Magistrates Court in Mpumalanga on Friday for allegedly extorting mine owners in the area.  

It is understood the group presented the mine with a fraudulent court order on Thursday, demanding mining production be halted.  

The seven men, aged between 38 and 46, also allegedly demanded an undisclosed payment from the company.  

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said an ongoing investigation could lead to more arrests.  

“The Carolina police were called in to check and assist in verifying the said court order. Upon further investigation, the courts seem to have no knowledge or record of this court order, hence a case of fraud with an additional charge of extortion was opened.”  

He said the motive behind the incident is unclear at this stage.  

“Meanwhile, the acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS [South African Police Services] in Mpumalanga, Major General Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest of the suspects and issued a stern warning against extortionist activities.”