Gugulethu alleged extortionist killed in shootout with police
A man commonly known as 'Spoon' was killed in an alleged shootout with police in Mfuleni last week Thursday.
FILE: Thamsanqa Mbovane/GroundUp
JOHANNESBURG - A Gugulethu businessman says residents of the township are slightly relieved after an alleged extortionist has been shot and killed.
A man commonly known as "Spoon" was killed in an alleged shootout with police in Mfuleni last week Thursday.
He's accused of being part of a group of men terrorising Gugulethu residents and extorting money from local businesses for the so-called protection fee.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed to Eyewitness News that it's investigating the matter.
Gugulethu is one of the townships in Cape Town marred by extortion-related crime.
One local businessman said the extortion crisis in Gugulethu has been left unchecked for too long.
READ: 2 suspected extortionists killed, 1 wounded in shoot-out with CT police
"It seems as if the police are doing nothing, that's what we are seeing at face value because these boys are known. They are doing this every month, and they are getting away with it. The police know their collection dates, they know when they usually come," he said.
He said most residents are living in fear of these so-called extortionists.
In June, the provincial leader of Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO) was shot and killed near his home in Gugulethu for allegedly refusing to pay a protection fee.
"They think they have the license to kill because these boys if you don't pay, they kill you. The provincial chairperson of AZAPO in the Western Cape has flats and stays in Gugulethu, and was killed by these boys of protection fee," he added.