Police initiate nationwide operation to root out extortionists

JOHANNESBURG - In a bid to restore safety and security, police have initiated a nationwide operation to root out extortionists, with a particular focus on the Eastern Cape where the crime is rife.

In 2024, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu put together a specialised team of investigators to look into the rapidly growing practice of extortion in the country.

This follows Tuesday's arrest of a former South African Airways (SAA) board member, Yakhe Kwinana, who is linked to a series of crimes including taxi violence, extortion cases and damaging the properties of her victims.

She appeared before the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where her case was transferred to East London where the crimes allegedly took place.

Police spokesperson Nonkululeko Phokane said the inter-provincial task team had been following the accused’s movements.

"There was a specific village in the Eastern Cape where there was a massive outcry of members of the community, which is one of the information leads that the team of our investigators were able to follow. And the information, as well, alleges that the particular suspect was linked to a series of taxi violence, extortion cases among others in East London."