National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Clement Othusitse Seothaeng worked at a McDonald’s restaurant in Montana as a crew member for two years before his extortion attempt was made.
“On 23 September 2017, while at work Seothaeng recorded himself in a 20-second video clip with his phone preparing a McFlurry ice cream without showing his face, just a person wearing a uniform,” said Mahanjana.
While the 27-year-old was preparing the McFlurry he spat in the container, mixed the contents and closed the lid.
He then pretended to be a “concerned customer” and sent the video to his manager. He demanded the manager pays R150 000 or the video would be circulated on social media.
“The Manager reported the matter to the police, immediately a trap was set up and Seothaeng was arrested a few days later on 29 September 2017,” said the NPA spokesperson.
Seothaeng, who is originally from Pampierstad, Northern Cape was handed a 10-year sentence for extortion and five years for malicious damage to property. The sentences will run concurrently.
State Prosecutor, David Molokomme, argued for a heavy sentence that would deter people from using anti-social behaviour on social media for undue benefits.
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