By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Police minister Senzo Mchunu has outlined the measures taken by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deal with threats posed by extortion across the country.
Mchunu briefed Parliament on his department’s comprehensive strategy to tackle the escalating crisis of extortion rackets, which has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa.
Extortion is a major threat impacting ordinary people and businesses. Most syndicates are operating in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, according to Mchunu. He said the Eastern Cape was the most affected.
Extortion has been emerging over time and has now reached levels where all communities in our country beyond the four provinces indicated above have become very angry, bitter and agitated; the pain has gone very deep,” he said.
“The mood expressed in communities is also reflective of statements that have been made in the house unanimously against these crimes in the short past.”
The minister added that one of the underlining factors to the rise of crime is South Africa’s socioeconomic condition.
According to the ministry, most of the perpetrators do not want to work but rather choose to “parade as armies of murderous parasites”.
“That must be fought and rejected by society as a whole,” Mchunu said.
The modus operandi of the perpetrators is to be heavily armed and operate in groups to instil fear and chaos.
The minister attributed the perceived “silence” of communities and low reporting levels to these fears.
He said the ministry was working hard to fight against these crimes on a daily basis and highlighted recent police operations.
In Milnerton, Cape Town, extortionists were confronted and a shootout with the police ensued. Four suspects were fatally wounded, while four were admitted to the hospital.
Mchunu said operations in the Eastern Cape are focusing on Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay, where similar crimes include illegal occupation of buildings and stock theft, among others.
Twelve cases have been reported on the extortion hotline, and investigations are underway.
He added that the police are observing signs of resistance from criminals, but Mchunu said the police will prevail.
He said the police are bolstering intelligence efforts and collaborating with local and provincial authorities.
“We see shocking incidents of lowest morality where church services, funerals and other family-related functions get disrupted by these extortionists,” the minister told MPs.
“Currently, the operational plan is being rolled out in Cape Town with its new six sub-districts. The model will be replicated in all metros in the country.
“The Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay have agreed on the operational plan, and it is currently being rolled out. We will be launching it soon, followed by Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal,” he added.
Mchunu said they are also working with other departments, including the Department of Justice.
“This Friday, we are meeting as the JCPS Cluster to tighten up our act via better synergies. The deadline for us to complete and adopt the National Policing Policy is the end of October this year.
“This will, among other issues, deal with police stations and other infrastructure based on norms and standards.”
“The deadline for us to complete and adopt the National Policing Policy is the end of October this year. This will among other issues deal with police stations and other infrastructure based on norms and standards.