FREE STATE – Three suspects have been arrested for taxi extortion on the N8 highway between Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that saw a taxi driver and 15 passengers targeted in a terrifying late-night ordeal. The coordinated response by Free State police has successfully brought the alleged perpetrators to justice after they forced stranded commuters to pay a ransom in freezing conditions.
The incident occurred on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at approximately 23:45. A taxi driver was transporting 15 passengers, including elderly individuals and children, from Botshabelo to Durban. While travelling along the N8 highway, a Toyota Hilux GD6 bearing Free State registration plates overtook the Toyota Quantum taxi at high speed before recklessly stopping directly in front of it, forcing the vehicle to a standstill.
According to Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, three male suspects exited the Hilux and confronted the taxi driver, aggressively demanding to know who had authorized him to operate on their route. Despite the driver presenting a valid long-distance operating permit, the suspects ignored the documentation and forced all passengers out of the vehicle into the freezing cold and darkness.
When the driver explained that he did not have cash to satisfy their unlawful 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 collectively pooled their money. A total of R2,500.00 was raised and handed to the driver, who then paid the amount to the suspects before the victims were allowed to leave.
Following the ordeal, a case of extortion was officially registered on 1 July 2026 at the Selosesha Police Station for further investigation.
The breakthrough came on Monday, 13 July 2026, when members of the Mangaung Metro DOCC East Task Team were activated to track down the perpetrators, despite being on their rest days. Through meticulous investigative work, all three suspects—aged 44, 58, and 80—were traced and arrested between 14:00 and 17:00 at various locations.
Provincial Police Commissioner Gen. Thabang Lesia strongly condemned the criminal act, emphasizing that extortion and the intimidation of public transport operators will not be tolerated in the Free State.
“Forcing vulnerable citizens, including the elderly and young children, out into the freezing cold to demand a ransom is both heartless and unlawful,” Gen. Lesia stated.
The three suspects are expected to appear before the Thaba Nchu Magistrate’s Court soon to face formal charges related to the highway extortion incident.