CRIME SCENE: Langa, Cape Town: A suspected extortionist was arrested after he allegedly collected protection money from spaza shops in the area.

According to the South African Police Force (SAPS) the arrest came after a joint operation between members of Operation Lockdown 3, Crime Intelligence and the Drone Unit.

“Information was received on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, about a 21-year-old suspect residing in Winnie Mandela Drive, Langa who was allegedly affiliated with a known extortion group and in possession of firearms.

“The suspect’s movements were monitored as he drove around Langa allegedly collecting protection fees from spaza shops. On Wednesday, 15 July 2026, at about 22:00, the team descended on his place and searched the premises. They recovered two pistols with serial numbers removed and nine rounds of ammunition.

“The suspect was arrested for possession of prohibited firearms,” said SAPS.

Belhar: In an unrelated incident on the same day, the police seized 120 sachets of Tik and 64 Mandrax tablets at a house in Avon Close, Belhar.

SAPS said the house had been under surveillance after Crime Intelligence received information about illegal activities.

“Members found a 22-year-old woman at the place and searched the premises. In one of the back rooms, they discovered a black shopping bag containing drugs and arrested the woman for possession of drugs,” said SAPS.