Three arrested in Durban extortion sweep, unlicensed firearms seized

Three people, including two suspected extortion kingpins, have been arrested during a coordinated organised crime crackdown in Durban.

The suspects are believed to be behind a wave of extortions across the province, targeting owners of student residences and businesses, especially those owned by foreign nationals.

Among those arrested was a security guard who was found in possession of a firearm with the serial number scratched off.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed that an undisclosed amount of cash was also seized during the operation, along with three vehicles believed to have been acquired through criminal activity.

In a simultaneously executed operation on the same day in Durban, police arrested a 40-year-old man. He was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The seized firearm will be taken for ballistic testing.

The arrests are a major breakthrough in tackling the criminal networks believed to be extorting money from student residents and businesses in the area.