By BAKANG MOKOTO
3 April 2025– Five accused briefly appeared in the Koster Magistrate’s Court on charges of extortion at the construction site, intimidation, malicious damage to property and kidnapping. The accused, Andrew Matane (42), Blasius Makati (49), Chapel Mahlasela (50), Thabo Frederick (50) and Lazarus Mazaleni (54), were arrested after an investigation conducted subsequent to Provincial Organised Crime receiving an extortion complaint in March 2025, a South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) contractor appointed to reconstruct the road between N4 and Koster.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the accused allegedly disrupted the construction and intimidated the contractor, project managers and employees, after their bids for appointment as sub-contractors did not succeed. Manyoba said they allegedly intimidated and forced construction officials to stay in a meeting, despite responding to issues they were called to clarify.
“Additionally, the accused allegedly mobilised members of the community to disrupt and stop the project, leading to the closure of the site. In a positive response to a serious concern of extortion, a multidisciplinary team consisting of the Provincial Organised Crime, Anti-Gang Unit and Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP) arrested five suspects on 1 April 2025, in Koster.
“During the release of the Provincial Third Quarter Crime Statistics, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, in response to the concerns of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, and the Provincial Executive, sent out a strong message that those who commit acts of extortion and protests that often target contractors and critical infrastructure will be hunted down, arrested and be prosecuted,” she said.
Manyoba further said this arrest is just one of many to follow. She added that the case was postponed to 7 April 2025, for a bail application and all accused remain in custody.
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