Extortion of initiates comes under spotlight at Western Cape Men's Sector
Several incidents of extortion in Langa, Philippi, Gugulethu, and Gqeberha have seen parents forced to pay a protection fee for their children.
A picture of young boys from the Xhosa tribe attending a traditional initiation school in Libode in the Eastern Cape province. Picture: AFP
CAPE TOWN - The extortion of initiates has come under the spotlight at the Western Cape Men's Sector meeting.
This came after several incidents of extortion in Langa, Philippi, Gugulethu and Gqeberha - where parents are forced to pay a protection fee for their children.
The provincial secretary, Prince Sindile Sigcau, has called this an organised crime against society.
Sigcau said the extortion of initiates is a concern that needs urgent attention.
According to Sigcau, the Men's Sector in the Western Cape is working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to apprehend the perpetrators.
He was speaking at the Men's Parliament event in Parow Municipality Chambers on Friday.
"But at the same time, we don't want families to report these people recklessly because they are very dangerous. This is an organised crime. It could lead to loss of lives."
Meanwhile, the national convener of the Men's Forum, Mbulelo Dyasi, said the extortion of initiates is not a new trend.
"This thing has been going on where people are going to initiation schools and demand alcohol, and in families, they would demand alcohol."
Dyasi said extortionists must be treated as criminals and be thrown behind bars where they belong.