Cape Town Police Arrests Alleged 28s Gang Leader Ralph Stanfield and Wife in Extortion Case

Notorious 28s gang leader, Ralph Stanfield, and wife Nicole Johnson, whose names recently emerged in a wave of gang-related and extortion allegations, were arrested in Cape Town on 29th September 2023. This was not their first brush with the law, with Stanfield's name linking to several investigations deliberating corruption and Cape Town's City operations.

During a press conference, Western Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed the arrest of a male aged 44 and a female aged 36. Without revealing the identity of the suspects, the facts point towards Stanfield, who is 44 years old, and Johnson, set to turn 36 this year. Post-charging, they are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court for crimes including theft of motor vehicle, common assault, robbery, and fraud. Particularly, Stanfield will face an additional charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Various sources linked to policing revealed to Daily Maverick that the arrested duo was indeed Stanfield and Johnson. Their attorney kept silent on the matter, promising to return our calls that were not responded to as of the evening.

It is noteworthy that Stanfield has previously been in public scrutiny, notably, surviving a shooting event in Johannesburg in 2017. Various allegations circulate Stanfield's role, including one in a squabble involving the Ayepyep Lifestyle Lounge in Cape Town, suggesting a link to security and ownership. Despite reopening last week, multiple accusations of threats and violence still cloud the high-end lounge.

In the backdrop of frequent gun-related arrests, the suspicion of a greater South African Police Service (SAPS) involvement looms large. Simultaneously, stanfield's businesses including a housing project comes under sharp criticism for alleged unfair practices. Daily Maverick's report on recent Cape Town shootings, indicating resurgent violence, fuels the anxiety of the residents.