Ga-Rankuwa police have apprehended four suspects accused of disrupting operations at the George Mukhari Hospital construction site in Tshwane.
Story Summary:
- Ga-Rankuwa police arrested four suspects linked to extortion and assault at the George Mukhari Hospital construction site.
- Investigations are ongoing to determine if the suspects are tied to other criminal activities.
- In a separate case, Cape Town suspended waste collection services in Kraaifontein after extortion threats targeted municipal contractors.
George Mukhari Hospital extortion: Here’s what we know
The arrests, conducted on Monday, 18 November 2024, follow allegations of extortion, assault, and intimidation.
According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the suspects allegedly halted construction activities at the hospital’s oncology unit, which is intended to serve the community.
They reportedly blocked delivery trucks carrying essential building materials, assaulted the site manager, and issued threats while demanding unspecified concessions.
The suspects face multiple charges, including assault, extortion, and intimidation.
Tshwane district commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine praised the swift arrests, stating that law enforcement would continue to clamp down on such activities to ensure critical community services remain uninterrupted.
The public has been encouraged to report similar incidents through the extortion hotline.
Investigations are ongoing to establish whether the arrested individuals are linked to other criminal activities.
Kraaifontein extortion targets City waste services
In an unrelated incident, the City of Cape Town suspended waste collection services in parts of Kraaifontein and Wallacedene after receiving an extortion letter.
The letter, addressed to a municipal service provider, read:
“We as protection guys, we want your truck to pay protection fees here in Kraaifontein, otherwise your truck will not work again here in Kraaifontein. Thank you.”
In response, the City halted cleaning services for over 300 container toilets, citing safety concerns for workers and contractors.
This decision has left informal settlements like Area 19, Tygerberg Racecourse, and Social Distance without waste management services.
Since April 2023, Cape Town authorities have recorded 14 similar extortion attempts, disrupting sanitation services in 23 informal settlements.
Mayoral committee member for water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien condemned the incidents, stating:
“Extortion directly impacts the dignity of our residents by jeopardising our efforts to deliver basic sanitation services.”
Efforts are ongoing to address extortion threats and protect essential service delivery in vulnerable communities.
