Carlo Petersen18 September 2024 | 7:38

Police task team established to deal with extortion in the Western Cape

Police spokesperson Malcolm Poje said various communities, including government service providers, were falling prey to crimes associated with extortion.

Police task team established to deal with extortion in the Western Cape

South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in formation. Picture: X/SAPoliceService

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape police have established a task team to curb the increase of extortion-related crime in the province.

Police spokesperson Malcolm Poje said various communities, including government service providers, were falling prey to crimes associated with extortion.

Poje said the crimes related to extortion include murder, robbery, intimidation and kidnapping.

READ: Western Cape DA says extortionists targeting social workers for protection fee

"To mitigate the prevalence and curb the increase of extortion-related crime, the provincial commissioner has established an extortion task team. It comprises experienced and highly trained detectives who are supported by intelligence operatives to deal with the investigation of such cases."

The provincial Police Commissioner in the Western Cape, Thembisile Patekile, has also urged communities and victims of extortion to use the extortion toll-free contact number 0800 314 444.