Eyewitness News24 October 2024 | 5:40

Gugulethu residents 'terrified' of extortion gangs, says businessman

The Gugulethu businessman said that the recent killings of some community leaders who fought against this practice had shaken the community.

Gugulethu residents 'terrified' of extortion gangs, says businessman

Picture: Thomas Holder/Eyewitness News

CAPE TOWN - A Gugulethu businessman said that extortion gangs in the township had caused fear among residents.
 
He was commenting following the death of an alleged extortionist from the township on Wednesday.  
 
The man known as "Spoon" was apparently killed in a shoot-out with police in Mfuleni.
 
He's accused of being part of an extortion gang terrorising Gugulethu residents and extorting money from local businesses by demanding a protection fee. 

The Gugulethu businessman said that the recent killings of some community leaders who fought against this practice had shaken the community.
  
"They're not scared, they are terrified. Scared is an understatement, because these boys, they use drugs and they'll come and kill you like they did "Goofy" [Lulama Dinginto], who was the Gugulethu CPF deputy chairperson. She was killed because she was the only one fighting for businesspeople and the community."
 
He's accused the police of not doing enough to clamp down on extortion.
  
"How many liquor traders were victimised by these protection people every month. Even the chairperson of the Gugulethu Liquor Traders was killed this year for putting these issues on the table. So, people are scared because of the experience."