An alleged extortion incident in Verulam, Central Business District in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday, 21 August, highlighted the audacious behaviour of criminals.
Two alleged extortionists were harassing a small business owner operating a photography business on Ireland Street for a monthly fee of R500. In return, the men promised not to run interference with his business.
According to an Arrive Alive media alert, the businessman approached the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for assistance against the extortionist, whom he had refused to pay.
Photographer refuses to comply with extortionist’s demand
On Wednesday, 20 August, the photographer was approached by the two men, who demanded a monthly fee of R500, according to the Arrive Alive statement.
“After refusing to meet their demands, two of his digital cameras were confiscated [by the men] on Wednesday. Under duress, he paid R1000, resulting in the return of one camera. The suspects returned the next day (Thursday), demanding R300 weekly,” said the Arrive Alive statement.
The photographer refused to make any payment on Thursday, 21 August. For his stance against their demands, the men seized his Canon camera, promising its return only once the businessman paid them.
Fed up with their persistent extortion, the businessman sought the assistance of RUSA. According to the statement, reaction officers accompanied by the photographer trolled through the streets of the CBD and eventually spotted the two suspected extortionists on Moss Street.
Officers promptly confronted and subdued them. Initially denying any involvement, the suspects later admitted that an accomplice possessed the Canon camera (picture 4), which was subsequently recovered following further investigations,” stated Arrive Alive.
Initially, the men denied stealing the camera or harassing the photographer; however, they later admitted stealing the camera. RUSA officers were led to its whereabouts.
The commotion caught the attention of two other photographers in the CBD who came forward and informed RUSA that they, too, were targeted by the extortionists.
“They had been paying weekly fees to avoid having their equipment confiscated, but refrained from reporting the crimes earlier due to fear of retaliation,” the statement said.
According to the Arrive Alive statement, the alleged extortionists and the camera were handed over to the Verulam police for investigation.
What are your thoughts on the audacious actions of the alleged extortionist?
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