Bheki Cele: 106 Arrested for Extortion in Cape Town, More to Follow

- Police Minister Bheki Cele has spoken out about the arrests made in the Mother City pertaining to extortion

- Cele stated that around 106 people have been arrested and charged due to extortion-related crimes in Cape Town

- Cele also stated that three police officers are being investigated, one of whom is the Deputy Minister of Defence's protector

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Over 100 arrests have been made in Cape Town thanks to the work of a special committee that addresses extortion in the city. Minister of Police Bheki Cele revealed that 106 people have been arrested and charged in connection with extortion cases.

It has been reported that a multi-disciplinary committee was set up seven months ago. Cele spoke about three police officers being investigated for being involved in extortion; this includes the Deputy Defence Minister's protector. The protector was reportedly arrested for kidnapping in an attempt to extort last month. Seven months ago, a multi-disciplinary committee was set up.

Cele stated that extortion through the kidnapping of residents and workers making their way home from work was on the rise.

A report by EWN revealed that Cele spoke about 'diversified crime'. He explained that people extorting went for eateries after bars and clubs were closed during the alcohol ban. TimesLIVE reported that although the extortionists were targeting clubs and bars they also targetted members of the Khayelitsha community.

When asked if the 'brains' behind the extortion operations had been arrested by police, Cele revealed that for now 'foot soldiers' had been arrested but they were making their way to the 'big fish'.

In other news about the Police Minister, Briefly News reported that Cele spoke about the way in which policing has changed since the Marikana Mine tragedy. Cele revealed that over R176 million has been paid to families of those who were killed during the slaughter.

SABC News reported that Cele said that the tragedy at Marikana Mine where 34 miners died changed the way police officers control violent crowds. The recent student protests which caused unrest and resulted in the death of Mthokozisi Ntumba have shown a spotlight on how police manage crowds.

Students have accused police officers of being heavy-handed during the protests against financial exclusive.

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Source: Briefly News