By REGINALD KANYANE
Former ANC ward 5 councillor at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Letlhogonolo Molefi (39), briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court today, on charges of intimidation, extortion and obstruction at the construction site. Molefi was arrested on 23 July 2024, during an undercover operation by the Provincial Organised Crime and Crime Intelligence working together with Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT).
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the Provincial Organised Crime allegedly received information on 18 July 2024, from a contractor who was installing fibre on the N12 road between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad, as well as between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom, about community members who were intimidating them.
‘The contractor was on 15 July 2024, allegedly approached by two men who introduced themselves as representatives of the Klerksdorp community and demanded jobs. Furthermore, the suspects demanded immediate payment of R50 000 protection fee.
“The victim was also instructed to leave the site and to come back when they have money to pay the suspects. It is alleged that the victims abandoned the site for five days, but the suspects kept on calling him about the payment,” she said.
Funani further said Molefe was eventually arrested in Klerksdorp during an undercover operation and found in possession of the state money. She added that Molefi was remanded in custody until 27 August 2024, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated all members involved in the operation and said the arrest will serve as an indication that crime does not pay. Kwena said that no disruptions will be tolerated at construction sites.
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