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One of the suspects arrested for allegedly extorting protection fees from foreign-owned businesses in Stutterheim has been linked to five kidnappings in the border region.
This was heard in the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, during the bail hearing of Akhona Jacu.
The police investigating officer, Warrant Officer Norton Ndabambi, said Jacu had allegedly demanded millions of Rands in ransom from five other families before he was arrested while allegedly collecting protection fees from businesses in the Stutterheim area.
He also said that in 2016, Jacu had absconded while out on bail on a case where he was charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm in Bellville, Cape Town. He was also arrested in 2019 on a case of armed robbery in Mdantsane in East London.
Ndabambi said the court needed to send a strong message to those who make a living from extortion and kidnappings, saying just seven days after Jacu was arrested, another group of suspects was arrested for extorting money from businesses in Stutterheim.
Also Read: Alleged extortionists arrested - one killed near Stutterheim
Jacu and Bongani Swaartbooi were arrested on 13 August, after a multi-sectoral task team followed up on information that they would be collecting “protection fees on a certain date.”
Ndabambi said investigations revealed that the number that Jacu made calls from, was linked to five other cases of kidnappings in East London, eQonce, and Stutterheim, where a ransom was demanded.
While Ndabambi said he saw Jacu receiving the money during their stakeout with the Hawks, Jacu maintained he was merely accompanying his businessman friend, who was killed during the subsequent shootout with police.
He also denied knowing another co-accused, Bongani Swaartbooi, who is still under police guard in hospital after crashing his vehicle into a horse while fleeing the scene.
According to Jacu, the police had approached him and his deceased friend, Thandolwethu Matika, who had collected money that was owed to him.
He said they walked a few metres before they were approached by people getting out of an unmarked black Audi who he said introduced themselves as police and “just started shooting.”
Jacu, who was charged with murder, attempted murder, extortion, and the possession of and an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, said he should not be charged with the murder of his friend who was shot by police.
He pleaded with the court to grant him bail so that he could return to running his businesses and to feed his family.
His bail application continues on the 20 September.
Read More: Hawks bust two more people for extortion in Stutterheim
