‘We are making inroads’: SAPS says over 700 extortionists arrested in last five years
The South African Police Service has vowed to clamp down on the extortion racket in Eastern Cape, after at least four schools in Mthatha were forced to suspend teaching after being visited by extortion gangs demanding a protection fee.
Picture: @SAPoliceService/X
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Police Service has vowed to clamp down on the extortion racket in Eastern Cape.
On Tuesday, the Eastern Cape Department of Education said at least four schools in Mthatha were forced to suspend teaching after being visited by extortion gangs demanding a protection fee.
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This was the latest incident by the so-called extortion gangs who have been targeting businesses, construction sites, and homes in the province.
National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said additional officers had been deployed to the province to investigate, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators.
"We are making inroads, although we concede more needs to be done. We have in the last five years arrested 722 extortionists. Fifty-two of them have been found guilty and collectively sentenced to 89 years and seven months imprisonment. We have 93 cases that are still under investigation across the country."