Three suspects arrested in connection with a highway extortion incident targeting a taxi driver and his passengers on the N8
A coordinated response by dedicated police officers has led to the successful arrest of three suspects, aged 44, 58, and 80, in connection with a highway #extortion incident targeting a taxi driver and his passengers on the N8.
On Thursday, 25 June 2026, at approximately 23:45, a taxi driver was transporting 15 passengers, including elderly people and children, from Botshabelo to Durban. While travelling on the N8 highway between Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, a Toyota Hilux GD6 with Free State registration plates overtook the taxi at high speed before stopping recklessly in front of the Toyota Quantum, forcing it to a standstill.
Three male suspects exited the Hilux and confronted the taxi driver, demanding to know who had authorised him to operate on their route. Despite the driver producing his valid long-distance operating permit, the suspects forced all the passengers out of the vehicle into the freezing cold and darkness.
When the driver explained that he had no cash to satisfy their demands, one of the suspects began unloading the passengers’ luggage from the trailer. Fearing for their lives and safety in the sub-zero temperatures, the stranded passengers pooled their money together. A total of R2 500.00 was raised and handed to the driver, who paid the money to the suspects.
The victims were then allowed to leave, and a case of extortion was registered on 1 July 2026 at Selosesha Police Station for further investigation.
On Monday, 13 July 2026, members of the Mangaung Metro DOCC East Task Team, who were on their rest days, were activated to track down the suspects. Through meticulous investigative work, all three suspects were traced and arrested between 14:00 and 17:00 at various locations.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Thaba Nchu Magistrate’s Court soon.
#fightingcrime
