The fight against extortion at construction sites gained success when two accused were nabbed for extortion, public violence and intimidation through crime intelligence led operation by the Provincial Organised Crime and Visible Policing members on Monday, 11 January 2022, in Kroondal outside Rustenburg.
It is alleged that the accused arrived at the construction site driving in a charcoal Mini Cooper vehicle with Limpopo registration number.
The pair allegedly chased the contractors and employees around and threatened to set alight construction vehicles while accusing contractors of failing to pay R3500-00 by means of an electronic transfer.
As a result, the situation got out of control, but the accused were ultimately apprehended.
The duo; Bassie Putu (36) and Emmanuel Ramonasi (41) were each granted R500-00 bail upon their appearance in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 12 July 2022. Thus, they are expected to reappear at the same court on Friday, 16 September 2022.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest which he said will send a strong message that those who intimidate and interrupt operations at construction sites will be dealt with accordingly.
