SAPS to crack down on extortionists targeting homes, schools, businesses in EC

JOHANNEBSUEG - Police reinforcements have been deployed to the Eastern Cape to fight extortion gangs terrorising several parts of the province.

The addition of boots on the ground follows a recent visit by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in the province.

Mchunu visited areas including Gqeberha and Mthatha - where extortion gangs target homes, schools and businesses.  

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says a multi-disciplinary team of detectives has been deployed to the province to clamp down on the practice.

“We cannot allow a situation where communities are held at ransom, and we are urging our communities to name and shame these extortionists. The challenge that we are having is that community members are reluctant to report incidents of extortion. We urge our communities when called upon to come forward.”

The Eastern Cape Department of Education (DBE) has enlisted the help of AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to assist with extortion gangs targeting schools.

At least four schools that fall under tribal in Mthatha have been forced to close after being visited by extortion gangs demanding a protection fee.

On Tuesday, Dalindyebo hosted a community meeting to discuss the issue that has been plaguing many parts of the province.

According to the provincial DBE the extortionists are locals.

Provincial education spokesperson Mali Mtima says they are hoping for positive feedback from the king’s meeting.

“It was also agreed by the district let’s take this thing up to the tribal authority because allegedly one of those guys doing this is serving in the tribal authority as a herdsman.”

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service has sent additional reinforcements to the province, to clamp down on extortion gangs.