Former SAA Board Member Yakhe Kwinana Appears in Court Over Taxi Violence and Extortion Charges

Former South African Airways (SAA) board member Yakhe Kwinana made a brief appearance in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing serious charges linked to taxi violence and extortion in East London. The 60-year-old was arrested on Monday following an inter-provincial police operation in Midrand, which authorities say has “ended her alleged reign of terror.”

Charges and Allegations

Kwinana is facing multiple charges, including extortion, malicious damage to property, and pointing a firearm. According to police spokesperson Major General Nonkululeko Phokane, Kwinana is accused of being involved in a series of taxi violence and extortion cases in East London. She allegedly operated with armed men, using intimidation tactics to extort money from victims and ordering the demolition of their properties.

“The suspect, who is linked to a series of taxi violence and extortion cases in East London, was allegedly always accompanied by armed men when she threatened her victims and extorted money from them,” Phokane said. “The victims’ properties were also allegedly demolished on the instruction of the suspect.”

The Police Operation

The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort by a multi-disciplinary team comprising members from the National Intervention Unit (NIU), Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations (SVCI), Tactical Response Team (TRT), and the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit. Acting on intelligence, the team located and apprehended Kwinana in Midrand, bringing an end to her alleged criminal activities.

National Task Team on Extortion

The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on extortion-related crimes in South Africa. In 2024, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu established a national task team to address the growing problem of gang violence and extortion. Multi-disciplinary teams have been deployed across the country to prevent, combat, investigate, and arrest those involved in such crimes.

The task team’s efforts have been particularly focused on industries plagued by extortion, including the taxi industry, where violence and intimidation have long been a challenge. Kwinana’s arrest is seen as a significant breakthrough in these efforts.

A High-Profile Defendant

Yakhe Kwinana’s arrest has drawn significant attention due to her former role as a board member of SAA, a prominent state-owned enterprise. Her alleged involvement in criminal activities has raised questions about accountability and governance within South Africa’s public and private sectors.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

Kwinana’s court appearance on Tuesday was brief, with the case adjourned to allow for further investigation. The state is expected to present additional evidence linking her to the alleged crimes. If convicted, Kwinana could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.

The arrest of Yakhe Kwinana marks a significant step in South Africa’s fight against extortion and taxi violence. While her high-profile status has brought additional scrutiny to the case, it also underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable, regardless of their position or influence. As the legal process unfolds, the case will serve as a test of the justice system’s ability to address complex and organized crime in South Africa.

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