The South African Police Service (SAPS) has implemented a wide-ranging set of interventions to combat the growing problem of extortion, which has reached critical levels in various communities and sectors across the country. In response to increasing pressure from the public and business sectors, SAPS has introduced an Extortion Action Plan, supported by a newly established Priority Committee within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), to coordinate efforts across law enforcement and government.
The Extortion Action Plan is designed to provide a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary framework for dealing with extortion-related criminal activity. It includes the deployment of provincial teams equipped with visible policing, investigative, intelligence, and communication functions. These teams operate within five strategic pillars: intelligence gathering and analysis; proactive policing through visibility and crime prevention; direct law enforcement operations; post-crime investigations; and public communication, including awareness and reporting initiatives.
In support of public reporting, SAPS has launched a National Extortion Hotline, with additional provincial hotlines operating in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. These are intended to allow victims and witnesses to report incidents anonymously and without fear of retaliation.
Particular attention has been given to the issue of extortion at construction sites, which SAPS notes has significant economic implications. Investigations in this area are handled by the Organised Crime Investigation units within provincial Detective Services. To enhance the effectiveness of these efforts, SAPS works closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which assigns dedicated prosecutors to oversee extortion cases. The NPA also offers witness protection measures to safeguard those who come forward with information.
Alongside its internal efforts, SAPS is engaged in several public-private partnerships aimed at bolstering its ability to respond to extortion. These collaborations include partnerships with state-owned entities such as Eskom, Telkom, Transnet, and Gautrain, as well as with other government departments and private sector organisations including Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) and the South African Revenue Protection Association (SARPA).
A formal Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between SAPS and BACSA. This agreement enables the police to draw on the private sector’s expertise, technologies, and information-sharing networks to enhance crime prevention and enforcement efforts. In addition, SAPS has implemented the “Eyes and Ears” programme, a joint initiative with the Private Security Industry. This programme involves regular coordination meetings in Provincial Command Centres to share intelligence and improve situational awareness.
Transparency and oversight are key components of the strategy. The National Priority Committee on Extortion, which oversees all these initiatives, is responsible for ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their objectives and that information is shared openly among partners. This committee is also tasked with monitoring the effectiveness of current strategies and refining operational plans as necessary.
The SAPS leadership maintains that these measures are part of an evolving strategy to not only reduce extortion-related crime but also restore public confidence in law enforcement. Continued collaboration with public and private sector partners, combined with an emphasis on intelligence and community engagement, forms the backbone of the current approach to what has become a persistent and deeply rooted issue in many parts of the country.
