Mthatha and Gqeberha in EC identified as extortion hotspots
At least four people were shot and killed in Motherwell, Gqeberha this week. Police say extortion has not been ruled out as a motive.
Fannie Masemola. Picture: Facebook/GovernmentZA
CAPE TOWN - National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said that Mthatha and Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape have been identified as problem areas for extortion-related rackets.
Masemola was speaking in Cape Town on Friday during the announcement of the quarterly crime statistics.
ALSO READ:
- 'Sobering' quarterly crime stats with increase in murder, rape and extortion - Mchunu
- CRIME STATISTICS: Over 9,000 rape cases reported in latest figures
- Political parties say violent crime in SA is a 'bloodbath'
At least four people were shot and killed in Motherwell, Gqeberha this week. Police say extortion has not been ruled out as a motive.
According to the provincial police, an investigation into the matter is ongoing and no arrests have been made yet.
Around 68 people are killed in South Africa every day, according to crime stats.
The Eastern Cape accounts for 17 percent of the murders.
"The only problem of extortion is that it does happen yes. It does get talked about but it's less reported," said Masemola.
"We are aware that the O.R. Tambo [district], most specifically Mthatha, and your Nelson Mandela Bay Metro City, that's where we have a problem of this extortion."