PRETORIA – Two suspects, a 47-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, have been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Crime Investigation team in connection with an extortion case involving R15,000. The arrests took place on November 29, 2024, during a sting operation at Pretoria Central train station.
The suspects, identified as Sibusiso Comfort Banda (47) and Nontobeko Elsie Nyandeni (31), allegedly attempted to extort money from the mother of a young man accused of rape.
Details of the Alleged Extortion
According to authorities, the mother of the accused man reported that the alleged victim in the rape case and an accomplice approached her after her son’s initial court appearance. They demanded R15,000 in exchange for withdrawing the rape charges, which were filed at the Soshanguve police station in early November 2024.
Upon learning of the extortion demand, the investigator handling the rape case alerted the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) team in Pretoria. A carefully planned operation was then launched to apprehend the suspects.
During the operation, the suspects were arrested at the train station immediately after receiving the money they had demanded.
Court Appearance
The two were detained at Pretoria Central police station and appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on December 2, 2024. The case has been postponed to December 9, 2024, for a formal bail application.
Justice in Progress
The Hawks’ Serious Crime Investigation team has emphasized the importance of safeguarding the justice system from acts of corruption and extortion. This operation highlights their ongoing efforts to ensure fairness and accountability in criminal proceedings.
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