A famous South African actor and his two accomplices are set to appear in the Booysens Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges of impersonating police officials, kidnapping, extortion and other charges.
Police say the trio, aged between 27 and 38, were arrested on Friday afternoon, during a Hawks operation at South Gate Mall, south of Johannesburg. when they allegedly attempted to extort money from a businessman.
It is alleged that the businessman was contacted by one of the suspects in June this year, and claimed that he was referred to him by his partner, after which they met in Isando.
It is further alleged that the suspect took out diamonds, and they were joined by two other suspects, who presented themselves as police officials.
They demanded a R100 000 bribe from the businessman to squash the illegal diamond deal.
The suspects also demanded to view the complainant’s bank balance on his mobile phone, and forcibly took him to Kempton Park where he managed to withdraw R31 000.
He was released thereafter, and the businessman reported the incident.
The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team on Friday managed to set up a drop-off at South Gate Mall where the balance would be paid.
One of the suspects jumped into the complainant’s vehicle to collect the money and he was arrested after the exchange.
The two other suspects who were in two separate vehicles attempted to escape after witnessing the arrest but they were apprehended following a chase not far from the crime scene.
