Published by on

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the arrest of four alleged extortionists in Cape Town last week, Cape {town} Etc reports.

Also read: Four dead, four injured in Cape Town shootout with police

On Thursday, eight alleged extortionists were en route to commit a mass shooting in Milnerton when a Western Cape Task Team of the South African Police Service (SAPS) confronted them.

A shootout ensued, during which four of the eight suspects were killed. Officers recovered firearms from the scene.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the wanted men were spotted driving in a Quantum taxi. ‘The wounded suspects, all from Cape Town aged 23, 30, 34 and 38, are under police guard in a medical facility.’

Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.

‘We are now taking the war against those who extort money. We are taking the war against the construction mafia. We are taking the war against gangsters. We are now going to take you on and make sure that you are brought to justice,’ Ramaphosa said.

‘The gangsters are tearing our communities apart and this is costing lives. Businesses are being forced to pay protection fees and being under siege from criminals who are destroying their businesses. We are here to show you that we do take your concerns into account and we take them seriously.

‘The South African Police Service is at the forefront of the fight against crime. It is making progress in taking our streets back from criminals. Last year…we launched Operation Shanela which brings together various law enforcement agencies to deal effectively with crime,’ he added.

Ramaphosa said this during the signing ceremony of a cooperation agreement to combat crime in Cape Town on Friday.

While this agreement does not involve the devolution of police powers, authorities say it will improve security and increase support for police services in the metro.

Watch:

Find your perfect set of wheels with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.

Also read:

Mark Lifman demands public apology from former Beerhouse owner

Picture: Jeffrey Abrahams / Gallo Images

Article written by