Police in Nelson Mandela Bay have made a significant breakthrough following the arrest of six suspects in connection with the extorting of money from various business owners within the Metro.
Captain Gerda Swart says a task team comprising various police units arrested the men, aged between 26 and 35, on Wednesday afternoon after a successful sting operation was conducted in Market Street in Kariega.
It is alleged that these suspects demanded protection fees from various shop owners.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Kariega Magistrate's court soon on charges of extortion and more arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Visible Policing Commander, Brigadier Ronald Koll, commended the teamwork of the multi-disciplinary team in clamping down on these extortionists.
"There have been several complaints from the local Small Business Owners Forum relating to the actions of the suspects," he said.
"This situation is not only unique to this area but it extends across the Metro. Cases of murder, business robberies, intimidation and assault emanated from these threats and our investigators will be investigating these cases accordingly."
