The Hawks have arrested a woman and her accomplice for extortion after she demanded R15k after she was allegedly r_ped.
The suspects reportedly tried to extort the money from the mother of the man accused of the alleged rape.
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Hawks Arrest Woman And Accomplice For Extortion After Demanding R15k After She Was R_ped
The arrests took place during a sting operation led by the Hawks’ Serious Crime Investigation (SCI) unit. The suspects, identified as Sibusiso Comfort Banda and Nontobeko Elsie Nyandeni, were apprehended at Pretoria’s central train station after they received the cash.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha confirmed the operation:
“On Friday, November 29, 2024, a successful operation by the Hawks’ Serious Crime Investigation led to the arrest of two suspects involved in an extortion case stemming from rape allegations. The suspects were apprehended following a planned operation around Pretoria’s central train station.”
How The Incident Happened
The investigation began after the alleged extortion was reported by the mother of the accused. According to authorities, the alleged r_pe victim and her accomplice approached the complainant following her son’s court appearance in November. They allegedly demanded R15,000 to withdraw the rape charge.
“The investigator in the rape case was alerted about the extortion demand, leading to the involvement of the Hawks’ serious corruption investigation unit. Post her son’s court appearance, the alleged victim and an accomplice approached the mother, demanding R15,000 to withdraw the rape charge. The alleged rape victim and her accomplice were arrested at the train station in Pretoria after they received the R15,000, not knowing they were being trapped,” Ramovha added.
Both suspects were taken into custody and are being held at Pretoria Central police station. The Hawks have not released additional details about the alleged rape case or whether the extortion incident will affect its proceedings.