KwaZulu-Natal police have dismantled a syndicate accused of extorting student residence owners and foreign-owned businesses, arresting three men in separate raids in Durban and Eshowe.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the arrests, which were carried out on Friday, September 26, by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit alongside Tactical Response Teams from Empangeni and Durban, the Durban Central K9 Unit, the Provincial Criminal Record Centre, and the Extortion Task Team.

“During the operation on Friday, the Provincial Organised Crime Unit officers executed a warrant of arrest at a residence in the Ntumeni area in Eshowe,” said Netshiunda.

Police said two security guards were at the house when officers arrived. One was allegedly found with a firearm whose serial number had been filed off.

“He was duly arrested for being in possession of a prohibited firearm,” Netshiunda said.

Inside the residence, police arrested a 42-year-old man suspected of being one of the extortion kingpins.

“An undisclosed amount of money was found in the house and was seized. Three vehicles, also believed to be the proceeds of crime, were seized, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit has begun the process of preparing preservation orders,” Netshiunda said.

At the same time, another operation was carried out in Durban.

“A simultaneous operation was held in Durban, which led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man. He was found in possession of a licensed firearm and ammunition. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing,” Netshiunda said.

Police allege that the suspects had been running protection rackets that targeted vulnerable business operators. Student residence owners have increasingly reported intimidation and demands for payment, while foreign-owned businesses in parts of Durban and smaller towns such as Eshowe have faced similar threats.

Extortion has been an ongoing concern in KwaZulu-Natal, with task teams established in recent years to investigate cases linked to construction projects, the transport sector, and small businesses.

Police have described these operations as part of a broader effort to disrupt criminal groups that use violence and intimidation to extract money.

The three arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday

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