Police Arrest Six Over Alleged Threats To Burn Shops in Ezibeleni

Six members of the Chris Hani Economic Development Drive are expected to appear in the Ezibeleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 2 July, on charges of intimidation following their arrest by police on Wednesday evening.

According to the South African Police Service, the six suspects, aged between 27 and 60, were arrested by members of the Ezibeleni Crime Prevention Unit after allegations that they intimidated foreign-owned businesses in the area.

Police allege that at around 2pm on Wednesday, the group drove around Ezibeleni in a white VW Golf and instructed foreign nationals to close their businesses despite them reportedly being in possession of legal documentation to operate.

The suspects are further accused of threatening to burn down businesses if they did not shut down immediately.

According to police, some members of the community opposed the actions of the group and complaints were later lodged with Ezibeleni SAPS, leading to the arrest of the six suspects.

District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph said the arrests should serve as a deterrent to those seeking to pursue criminal acts following the recent peaceful “March and March” operations held across the district.

The case was expected to be heard in the Ezibeleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Police investigations are continuing.