By STAFF REPORTER
Three suspects were granted bail of R500 each by Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for extortion, trespassing, and intimidation. Aron Mphosela (29), Daniel Malinga (36), and Mojalefa Pule (42) were arrested on 12 September 2022 for entering a construction site without authorisation.
It is alleged that, they also threatened employees with violence and forced them to down tools.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the trio also allegedly threatened and forced the contractor to leave the construction site, Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court, where he was appointed to do renovations in March 2020.
“Although the construction work was delayed, it resumed in July 2022. The Provincial Organised Crime Unit, allegedly received information on 7 September 2022, that a group of unknown men forcefully entered the construction site and threatened the employees with violence.
“An inquiry was opened for investigation. On 12 September 2022, a tip-off was received that the same group went back to the construction site to intimidate employees,” he said.
Subsequently, Mokgwabone said, a prompt response by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit apprehended the accused. He said, they are expected to re-appear at the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2022.
Mokgwabone said, the police would like to encourage contractors, who are intimidated by gangs in various parts of the province to report such occurrences.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said: “We would like to laud the Provincial Organised Crime Unit members for their swift response and the subsequent arrest of the accused. We want to reiterate that, those who intimidate employees and interrupt operations at construction sites will be shown no mercy.”
The Guardian 