Two males have appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today for allegedly running an extortion racket linked to prostitution.
Kabelo Ramashile (30) and Moloko William Kgobe (53) were arrested on Wednesday afternoon in the vicinity of the Savannah Mall, in Polokwane by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team after they allegedly extorted money from a victim who reportedly used services of a prostitute during November 2021.
Preceding the Hawks’ intervention, the victim, who is a prominent businessmen reportedly made several payments amounting to thousands of rand to the suspects.
This was after he was allegedly blackmailed and accused of infecting a prostitute, whom they claimed to be a relative of theirs, with HIV disease. They further threatened to expose his sordid encounter to his family and associates.
At a later stage, the pair returned to the victim with allegations that the said prostitute had died due to the disease complications. They demanded more money which led to their arrest during a sting operation.
R4000 in cash and cellphones were recovered from their possession.
Charges of corruption and extortion are being preferred against the pair.
It is believed that they might have preyed on many more victims who maybe too ashamed to come forward. The case has been postponed to 4 January 2021 for a formal bail application.
Meanwhile the implicated woman in this case is still at large as investigation continue.
Members of the public who might have fallen victims to the syndicate are urged to call the investigator in the case, Captain Victor Maja on: 071 481 3155.
