Top cop Masemola to give update on fight against extortion in Mthatha
Masemola will also give an update on the progress of investigations particularly on extortion related incidents that recently took place in Mthatha and Gqeberha.
National SAPS Commissioner Fannie Masemola addresses the National Joint Operational Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) ahead of their deployment for the Opening of Parliament (OPA) on 18 July 2024. Picture: GCIS
EASTERN CAPE - SAPS top brass led by National Commissioner Fanie Masemola is expected to visit the Eastern Cape later on Sunday to provide an update on interventions made to fight crime in Mthatha and surrounding areas.
Masemola will also give an update on the progress of investigations, particularly on extortion-related, incidents that recently took place in Mthatha and Gqeberha.
The police commissioner was joined by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu when they visited the Mthatha area after a series of allegations of extortion-related activity in parts of the province.
The allegations included businesses, schools, and medical facilities having to pay protection fees in order to continue to operate.
This has led to some of these businesses, schools, and clinics deciding to rather close their doors.
A police shootout last Wednesday led to the death of one of the alleged kingpins of extortion in Mthatha, Sakhumzi Dalinzolo Mareke, along with two others, who also died.
Police have encouraged communities in areas affected by these criminal activities to work with the SAPS in order to bring the perpetrators to book.