Some political parties not convinced police have clear strategy to fight extortion

CAPE TOWN - Political parties say Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the police don’t have a clear strategy to fight growing extortion.

On Tuesday, Mchunu addressed the National Assembly on police efforts to deal with threats posed by extortionists in the country.

But parties weren’t convinced, saying extortion had reached a crisis point and the police required a more comprehensive strategy and police intelligence.

'Simply unacceptable': Public Works Ministry wants an end to construction mafia

Minister Mchunu said the police had a strategy in place including working with private security.

He said the method would be replicated nationwide and would be launched soon.

“The model will be replicated in all metros in the country. The operational plan will include CPFs [Community Policing Forums] and private security companies.

However, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP) Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said there was nothing new in the approach.

"Quite frankly, I don’t know that the people of SA [South Africa] have confidence that the police are going to attack extortionists. There is no comprehensive crime prevention strategy.”

Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Ian Cameron meanwhile said police should target “rogue elements” within its own ranks.

“We urgently must address the misconduct within our own ranks.”

Mchunu said they believe traditional leaders and communities have a role to play and they would be engaged in due course.