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Two men were remanded in custody on Friday following their arrest for allegedly running an extortion racket related to prostitution.
Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Philane Nkwalse, says Kabelo Ramashile and Moloko Kgobe, appeared in court following their arrest on Wednesday.
He said they are alleged to have extorted money from a "prominent" Polokwane businessman who apparently used the services of a prostitute in November.
Nkwalase said the men claimed to be relatives of the woman and accused the businessman of infecting her with HIV. They later claimed that she had died of the disease and demanded more money from the victim.
He said this led to a sting operation and the arrest of the two near the Savannah Mall in Polokwane.
"R4000 in cash and cellphones were recovered from their possession," Nkwalase said.
Ramashile and Kgobe will remain in custody until 4 January when they will apply for bail.
