Elderly Inmate Charged with Extortion and Intimidation of South African Minister

An unsettling case unfolded at the Pretoria Magistrates Court where Jacob Yende, a 75-year-old inmate, appeared to face charges of intimidation and extortion. The courtroom was heavy with anticipation as Yende presented himself, accused of attempting to extort the current Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motswaledi, formerly the Minister of Home Affairs.

The backdrop of the crime was chilling: Dr. Motswaledi became the target of harrowing threats via phone and WhatsApp messages on December 29, 2022. The messages were from an individual who identified himself only as Vusi. Vusi claimed to have been contracted to assassinate the Minister for a fee of R60,000 – R40,000 of which was reportedly paid upfront by an unnamed mastermind with the final R20,000 promised upon completion.

In an unexpected turn, Vusi sought to capitalize on this menacing plot by soliciting R80,000 in exchange for the Minister's safety, directing the payment to be deposited into a Capitec Bank account. In a warped sense of morality, he justified his demand by lauding Dr. Motswaledi's honorable and kind disposition.

Swiftly, the matter was escalated to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the authorities launched an investigation that was to unravel across several months. Following extensive efforts by the Serious Economic Offences unit within the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation division, it was discovered that the person behind the threats was operating from within the prison system.

Implementing a search and seizure operation at Witbank prison, law enforcement confiscated numerous cellphones and SIM cards, and took warning statements from eight convicted individuals. The investigation bore fruit when one of the prisoners was confirmed as the holder of the Capitec account intended for the payoff. This account ultimately led to the unmasking of Jacob Yende – who was already serving a life sentence – as the orchestrator behind the veil of 'Vusi.'

Yende was served a summons on July 29, 2024, requiring his appearance in court. Facing the Magistrate, the life-term prisoner learned that his trial would be on hold pending the arrangement of legal representation, with proceedings adjourned to September 9, 2024.

The case has sparked numerous conversations across the country, underscoring the prevalence of crime within the prison system and the need for both stringent measures and advanced surveillance to curtail illicit activities conducted from behind bars.

As the South African justice system braces for a trial that will undoubtedly draw public and media attention, Yende's actions serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges facing those entrusted with upholding law and order in today's society.