Key Points
- A 32-year-old Gauteng man, Ndumiso Bhengu, has been charged with intimidation and extortion for allegedly posing as a hitman targeting government officials.
- He was arrested in Evaton after demanding payments of R5,000 to R10,000 from victims to spare their lives, with some hiring security for protection.
- The Hawks seized burner phones and SIM cards linked to the scam, and Bhengu’s case has been postponed to February 6 for a final bail application.
A 32-year-old Gauteng man, Ndumiso Bhengu, has been charged with intimidation and extortion after allegedly posing as a hired hitman targeting top government officials.
Bhengu appeared before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Thursday following his arrest on Tuesday in Evaton, where he was reportedly operating the scam.
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Singo, spokesperson for the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Pretoria, the investigation began in December after complaints were lodged about a man contacting high-profile individuals in government departments and the private sector.
The suspect allegedly claimed to be a hitman hired to kill the victims and demanded payments ranging from R5,000 to R10,000 to spare their lives.
“One victim reportedly paid the demanded amount, while others incurred significant financial losses by hiring 24-hour security guards for protection,” Singo said.
The Hawks tracked Bhengu to Evaton, where he was arrested. During the operation, police seized burner phones and six SIM cards, some of which were allegedly used to contact the victims.
Bhengu’s case has been postponed to 6 February for a final bail application. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the scam and identify any additional victims.
This case highlights the growing concern over sophisticated extortion schemes targeting high-profile individuals and underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of such threats to law enforcement.
Authorities Warn of Growing Trend in Sophisticated Extortion Tactics Targeting High-Profile Individuals
Authorities are continuing to probe the extent of Ndumiso Bhengu’s alleged scam, with investigations focusing on the network of contacts he may have used to target government officials and business leaders. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team has expressed concern that Bhengu’s actions might be part of a broader trend of similar extortion tactics employed against vulnerable individuals in positions of power.
Law enforcement has warned that such scams are becoming more prevalent as criminals adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit their victims. The victims, including both public officials and private sector employees, were reportedly terrified after receiving threats of death, leading to unnecessary security expenditures and significant distress.
Bhengu’s use of burner phones and multiple SIM cards indicates a deliberate attempt to cover his tracks, suggesting that he may have been involved in other illicit activities. The investigation is expected to expand, with authorities urging anyone who might have been targeted by Bhengu or similar scammers to come forward.
