In a pre-dawn operation on Thursday, 18 September 2025, a multi-unit police task force arrested six men allegedly linked to a violent extortion syndicate operating between the Mfuleni and Delft areas.
The operation, which commenced at approximately 05:00, was conducted by members of the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team and the Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team, guided by actionable intelligence from Crime Intelligence.
According to police officials, the raid was launched following community reports and information regarding a syndicate terrorizing local residents and businesses for extortion money. Several identified addresses in both Mfuleni and Delft were visited simultaneously.
The six male suspects, aged between 22 and 31, were arrested on multiple charges. These include possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and possession of drugs.
A significant cache of weapons and narcotics was confiscated during the operation. The seized items include:
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One AK47 rifle with 28 rounds of ammunition.
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One R1 rifle round.
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One 9mm Makarov pistol with 61 rounds.
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One Beretta Z88 pistol with 15 rounds.
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One Norinco Star pistol with five rounds.
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One 9mm pistol with 23 rounds.
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Approximately 400 Mandrax tablets.
In a major development, police confirmed that five of the six suspects are also wanted in connection with a double murder case registered at the Stellenbosch South African Police Service (SAPS).
The suspects are currently in police detention and are due to make their respective court appearances once formally charged. They are expected to face a magistrate at the Blue Downs and Bellville Magistrate’s Courts.
All confiscated firearms have been sent for ballistic analysis to determine if they were used in the commission of other serious crimes. The investigation remains ongoing.
