Seven suspects, including four KwaZulu-Natal SAPS officers, appeared in a Durban court today, facing charges related to an extortion scheme that targeted a shop owner in Phoenix.
Story Summary:
- Eight suspects, including seven KZN SAPS officers, appeared in a Durban court today on charges of extortion.
- The group is accused of extorting nearly R100,000 from a shop owner in Phoenix after seizing his cigarettes.
KZN officers embroiled in extortion scandal appear in court
The accused allegedly raided the shop for cigarettes before arresting the owner and demanding R100,000 in exchange for his release and the return of the confiscated goods.
According to the complainant, the suspects extorted nearly R80,000 from his wife during the ordeal.
The accused were unmasked in court as Deon Naidoo, Stallone Sing, Mathakene Mashabela, Zakhele Makhubela, Nicholas Nxuza, Xolani Sishi, Thamsanqa Dlamini, and Phiwayinkosi Zulu.
All, except Naidoo—who is an informant—are police officers, with three of them coming from Johannesburg.
The proceedings began with legal teams representing the accused objecting to media presence and the use of cameras in the courtroom.
After a discussion, the magistrate ruled in favour of allowing reporters and cameras, marking a victory for public transparency during the case.
Court proceedings were briefly adjourned as the court prepared to address matters of jurisdiction.
