Six suspected extortionists have been caught red-handed in Umgababa in KZN

The men – all in their 40s – are security officers attached to a local company.

When police intervened on Thursday, they were allegedly demanding money from spaza shop owners in the area.

They were using privately-owned firearms while in uniform and travelling in branded vehicles.

The intelligence-driven operation was carried out by the Provincial Organised Crime team, Umkomaas SAPS, Umzinto K9 Unit, Provincial Reaction Task Team and PSIRA.

Five guns, live ammunition, three vehicles, seven cellphones, and R18000 in cash was recovered.

The suspects will be profiled and are due in court soon.