Pretoria – A Zimbabwean national has been apprehended in connection with the brutal slaying of five community patrollers in Soshanguve, Pretoria, allegedly for refusing to pay a so-called “protection fee.” The arrest, announced by South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has cast a spotlight on the murky world of extortion and its deadly consequences in local communities.
Mchunu, alongside Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Provincial Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni, visited Soshanguve on Tuesday to address the community and express condolences to the bereaved families.
Confirming the suspect’s immigration status, Mchunu stated, “The man arrested is in the country illegally. We are still investigating how and when he entered South Africa, but it is confirmed that he is an undocumented foreigner.” The suspect was also found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm, according to Mchunu. Several other individuals are also being questioned in connection with the mass murder.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, when a confrontation between community patrollers and a group of individuals escalated into a deadly shootout. Police arriving at the scene at 6 AM discovered four bodies riddled with gunshot wounds, some partially burned. Eight others were rushed to hospital, where one later died.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the altercation occurred around 3 AM when the patrollers encountered a group of individuals on the street. While the motive for the killings is still under investigation, authorities are focusing on the alleged extortion racket operating in the area.
Extortion Racket Uncovered
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed a disturbing detail: the murdered patrollers may have been targeted for refusing to participate in or pay protection money to an extortion scheme.
According to reports, residents in Soshanguve are allegedly forced to pay patrollers R50 for safety, another R50 for water, and R350 for electricity. Lesufi stated that a kingpin, believed to be incarcerated, is suspected of orchestrating the extortion operation from behind bars.
“I have detailed information, including about people in prison who are still overseeing activities outside,” Lesufi stated, highlighting the involvement of organised crime and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating such activities.
The arrest of the Zimbabwean national and the alleged motive of enforcing a “protection fee” have ignited public outrage and raised concerns about the vulnerability of communities to extortion and violence. The incident underscores the urgent need for increased police presence, improved border control, and a crackdown on organised crime syndicates operating in the area.
Minister Mchunu has assured the public that the investigation is a top priority and that authorities are committed to bringing all those responsible to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending any additional suspects involved in this heinous crime.
