Three Somali shopkeepers were shot on Wednesday, one of them fatally, and a spaza shop was set alight in the early hours on Friday.

A Somali shopkeeper, who gave his name as Abdul, said the decision to close his shop was made after the shooting on Wednesday.

“We used to pay one group every month, but now we are forced to pay two different groups every week,” said Abdul. “These people take all our profits. We are working for them. If these people keep coming, we may never open again.”

Small businesses owned by South Africans, like hair salons, vegetable stalls and meat sellers, are also being targeted. Some have shut down permanently because they cannot afford to pay protection fees.

“If you don’t have money, your life is in danger,” said a vegetable stall owner. “I stopped selling because I was working just to pay them. Now my children are suffering because I was the only breadwinner.”

A Browns Farm resident, who asked not to be named, said she struggled to buy food and other essentials since the shops closed. “We depend on these shops because they are cheaper and close to where we live. If this continues, we are going to suffer,” she said.

Most victims do not report the extortion to police because they fear retaliation from gangs. Some immigrant shop owners also worry about being deported because they do not have documents.

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed that Nyanga police are investigating a case of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

He said a 40-year-old man was shot and killed, and two others were injured after five unidentified men entered a shop and started shooting. The motive for the attack is still being investigated, but extortion has not been ruled out. The suspects fled and have not yet been arrested.

Written by Sandiso Phaliso for GroundUp and republished with permission. The original article can be found here.

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This after the circulation of social media videos – through prominent South African influencers – of controversial and possibly illegal job opportunities in Russia.

The videos circulated by the influencers are targeted at young women between the ages of 18 and 22.

“Let me be clear: these offers are not endorsed by the Government of South Africa. Never rely solely on social media promotions or unsolicited social media advertisements. Always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official channels,” Nel said.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the “desperation created by high levels of youth unemployment, particularly among young women”, which could lead to dangerous situations.

“These vulnerabilities must not be exploited. Government remains committed to creating safe and sustainable employment pathways through initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and skills development programmes,” he said.

Nel emphasised that a ‘whole of society’ approach is required to protect young lives.

“We call upon all sectors of society – government, civil society, business and communities – to work together to protect our youth from predators who seek to profit from their hopes and dreams.

“The safety, dignity and futures of our young people are not for sale. Human trafficking is a scourge that we must confront with unity, vigilance, and unshakable resolve,” Nel said.

Echoing the Deputy Minister’s sentiments on the dangers of human trafficking, the department relayed the example of some 23 South Africans who were rescued and repatriated from Myanmar in March.

“Before leaving South Africa in 2024, they were lured to the Kingdom of Thailand under false pretences by an employment agency that promised them lucrative jobs that were advertised on various social media platforms. These adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses and other lucrative benefits.

“Once in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will. The victims were held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar. They were subjected to brutal treatment, intimidation, physical torture and forced labour. They were also compelled to engage in illicit activities, including online scams that targeted individuals worldwide,” the department said.

Before accepting any international offer, use the following channels to verify its authenticity:

• The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
• The Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL).
• The Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
• The South African Police Service (SAPS).

“It is also imperative that any person taking up a job offer or opportunity overseas must first enquire from the country where the employment is offered as to what the legal travel and legal working requirements are, in respect of that country.

“Trafficking in persons is a reality, with South Africa being regarded as a source, transit and destination country for trafficking in persons. Recent data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has documented a 25% global increase in detected trafficking of victims, with children accounting [for] 38%.

“The department… working with the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP), provincial task teams, and rapid response units established under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 (Act 7 of 2013), continues to strengthen South Africa’s collective response to trafficking in persons.

“Our work includes enhancing investigations and prosecutions of trafficking offences, building cross-border partnerships with international counterparts and expanding public awareness campaigns to alert communities to the methods used by traffickers,” the department said.

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Speaking at the official launch, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola outlined the scope and objectives of the operation. He said the second phase of Shanela would build on the gains of the initial campaign, which led to over 1.2 million arrests in 18 months. Since 1 April 2025, over 180,000 individuals have already been arrested under Shanela 2, including:

• 6,971 suspects wanted for serious and violent crimes

• 1,881 for murder

• 1,576 for attempted murder

• 2,367 for rape

• 18,255 for assault GBH

• 1,119 for illegal firearm possession

• 25,643 for drug-related offences

The SAPS has further recovered 1,441 firearms, 27,005 rounds of ammunition, and 862 hijacked or stolen vehicles.

Masemola stated that Operation Shanela II will focus on six key crime categories: murder (including gang and taxi-related killings), hijackings, illegal firearms, drug crimes, and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The aim is to improve operational efficiency through increased police visibility, advanced technologies, and focused deployments informed by recent crime statistics.

Nationwide Implementation

The operation is being implemented across all provinces, with each region focusing on local crime patterns.

Free State: Targeting Border and Urban Crime

In Mangaung Metro, Operation Shanela II is active in hotspots including Bloemspruit, Parkweg, Botshabelo, Boithuso, Kopanong, and surrounding border areas. The multidisciplinary team, which includes the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, and Provincial Traffic officials, recently held a joint parade in Wepener before executing cross-border operations.

• Nine undocumented individuals were arrested for immigration violations.

• A Toyota Quantum was impounded, and 75 vehicles and 161 people were searched.

• In Qibing, compliance checks led to the confiscation of 25 litres of home-brewed alcohol and 128,520 litres of alcohol. Fines were issued for unauthorised liquor sales.

• In Bloemfontein CBD, a 41-year-old man was arrested for dealing in crystal meth. Six undocumented individuals were detained, and several road traffic fines were issued.

Eastern Cape: Rural Crime and Firearms

In Mthatha, Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso launched the provincial leg of the operation on 27 June. She described Shanela 2 as a “deliberate escalation” of crime-fighting efforts.

Early successes include:

• Arrest of two suspects in Sulenkama for possession of 24 suspected stolen goats.

• In Lusikisiki, a 46-year-old was arrested for possession of a 9mm pistol linked to a civilian.

• A 39-year-old was arrested in Bajodini, Qumbu, for possession of an unlicensed revolver.

Gauteng: Urban Crime and Illegal Mining

In Johannesburg, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni led operations in Jeppe and Cleveland precincts. Detectives arrested 941 suspects for crimes including murder, attempted murder, hijacking, robbery, and rape.

• Roadblocks, raids, and mining disruption efforts resulted in 32 arrests for immigration violations, illegal mining, and drug-related offences.

• Fines totalling R24,500 were issued for traffic and by-law infringements.

At Mary Fitzgerald Square, officers held a coordinated parade before being deployed for stop-and-search operations throughout Johannesburg.

Western Cape: Tackling Gang and Liquor Offences

In Mfuleni, officers arrested a 23-year-old man for illegal liquor sales after a tip-off. A large quantity of alcohol was confiscated. The suspect is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court.

Community Outreach and GBVF Focus

Alongside enforcement, SAPS has intensified outreach to rural communities. In Bloemspruit, station leadership held a session on policing accessibility and community engagement. Multiple arrests were made for drug possession, possession of dangerous weapons, and immigration offences.

Operation Shanela II is intended to focus acutely on combatting gender-based violence. SAPS reported the arrest of 2,367 rape suspects and 162 attempted rape suspects in the previous three months. Additionally, convictions have been secured in high-profile GBVF cases, including several life sentences handed down by regional courts for rape of minors and serial sexual offences.

Furthermore, General Masemola has urged all officers to conduct themselves with discipline and integrity, maintain high command and control, and continue their efforts to “track and trace all wanted criminals.” He reaffirmed the SAPS’s commitment to creating safer communities and enhancing public trust in law enforcement.

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Chairperson of the committee, Ian Cameron, opened proceedings by reinforcing Parliament’s constitutional duty to hold SAPS accountable. Cameron emphasised the need for measurable, outcome-based performance indicators that align with national priorities such as crime reduction, combating gender-based violence, professionalisation of the police, and restoring public trust in law enforcement. With extensive inputs scheduled, members were urged to use their speaking time judiciously, and a timer was introduced to manage the full agenda effectively.

Infrastructure Deficiencies Threaten Operational Capability

Site inspections conducted during recent oversight visits to police stations in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal painted a troubling picture. Committee members observed hazardous working conditions in several stations. In Verulam, for instance, dilapidated infrastructure was so severe that water leaked onto exposed electrical wiring, prompting a provincial commissioner to relocate staff immediately due to health and safety concerns.

Durban Central Police Station was found to be functioning under dire conditions, with most of its detention cells unusable due to flooding and plumbing issues. None of the lifts were operational, air-conditioning systems had broken down, and generators were either faulty or entirely inoperative. These failures, the committee warned, not only risked the safety of personnel but also undermined the service’s ability to function effectively, particularly in high-crime areas.

Committee members unanimously agreed that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) was a bottleneck in effecting timely repairs and upgrades. Several MPs proposed that SAPS be given direct control of infrastructure budgets, with calls for joint committee meetings to monitor progress and ensure accountability. POPCRU, one of the two recognised police unions, supported this proposal, asserting that DPWI’s inefficiency has repeatedly hindered policing efforts.

Extortion and Organised Crime Take Centre Stage

A substantial part of the deliberations focused on the country’s growing extortion crisis, particularly within the taxi industry and informal business sectors. The committee stressed the need for a multi-faceted legislative and operational approach to combat organised extortion syndicates.

Recommendations included:

• A comprehensive legislative review to close legal loopholes hampering prosecution.
• The establishment of specialised courts for extortion and organised crime cases.
• Collaboration with the Department of Transport to introduce regulations obliging car rental agencies to track and report vehicles used in criminal activities.
• A partnership with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise cases involving organised crime.

One of the more alarming revelations was the widespread involvement of children in school-based extortion rackets, especially in under-resourced areas. The committee called for harsher sentencing for adults who exploit minors, and for enhanced collaboration with social development departments to curb recruitment of vulnerable youth into criminal networks.

Labour Unions Raise Red Flags on Staffing, Morale, and Corruption

Both SAPU and POPCRU, the recognised unions representing SAPS members, provided extensive input and painted a bleak picture of internal morale. SAPU warned that uneven distribution of overtime compensation was fostering resentment and reducing operational efficiency. Members in specialised and investigative units were reportedly overworked without adequate remuneration, while certain elite units, such as VIP Protection Services, received disproportionately high allocations for overtime.

SAPU also raised alarms about career stagnation, citing that some officers eligible for promotion since 2018 remained stuck at the same rank due to a lack of funding for personnel progression. This, they argued, not only demoralises employees but also fuels susceptibility to bribery and corruption.

POPCRU echoed concerns about systemic inefficiencies but took particular aim at SAPS’s top-heavy management structure, which it described as “bloated”. The union called for the devolution of expertise and authority from national and provincial headquarters to local police stations, where frontline crime prevention actually occurs. It also challenged the credibility of SAPS’s recruitment efforts, arguing that the service continues to onboard underqualified candidates, driven more by unemployment statistics than policing passion or skill.

Both unions called for the SAPS Amendment Bill, which has been stalled since 2020, to be revived and passed into law to provide structural clarity, allow for the professionalisation of the force, and address issues of accountability and promotion.

Technology and Forensics: An Underutilised Asset

Committee members raised serious concerns about the status of SAPS forensic science laboratories, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Despite R500,000 per month in rent being paid for a facility that was only 50% functional, the lab remained under-equipped and lacked capacity, severely affecting the chain of evidence in criminal investigations. Members criticised the government’s long-standing failure to build a dedicated forensic lab, despite identifying and approving a site nearly two decades ago.

On the technology front, POPCRU warned that expensive crime-fighting tools, such as body-worn cameras, risk becoming ineffective due to lack of training, poor maintenance, and unclear usage protocols. The union called for SAPS to focus on upskilling personnel before investing in new gadgets. MPs agreed that oversight would continue over SAPS’s transition to modern policing methods, stressing the need for clear implementation and performance benchmarks.

A Call for Greater Transparency and Implementation

Despite being largely satisfied with the comprehensive nature of the APP and strategic plans, MPs insisted on the need for regular updates and accountability mechanisms. They demanded that SAPS provide quarterly reports on infrastructure upgrades, forensic backlogs, extortion investigations, and staffing performance to ensure continuous parliamentary oversight.

Several committee members endorsed the idea of a recurring joint meeting with the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure to directly track improvements across identified critical sites. Others supported a proposal to include the Department of Social Development in future meetings to address the socio-economic roots of youth criminality, especially in extortion-related activities.

Committee Adopts Report, Sets Future Priorities

The committee adopted its oversight report with several amendments based on feedback received during the hearing. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring a professional, effective, and well-resourced police service, underpinned by strategic alignment with national development goals.

In closing, the Chairperson reaffirmed the committee’s determination to remain actively engaged with the SAPS leadership, civil society, and labour representatives to ensure that commitments made on paper are translated into meaningful, measurable change on the ground.

The committee will reconvene in the coming weeks to receive updated feedback from the police ministry and continue monitoring the implementation of the 2025/26 policing strategy.

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Roelof Viljoen, Business Development Officer for BACSA, provided this response to ProtectionWeb, detailing the initiative’s impact and the organisation’s efforts to protect companies from criminal blackmail.

The E2 Initiative: An effective crime-fighting tool

Unlike other membership – dependent crime prevention programs, BACSA’s extortion prevention program is not formal membership-dependent. Rather, companies sign up via the E2 Initiative, a nationwide platform aimed at facilitating real-time information sharing among screened private security firms and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

By Viljoen, “The E2 programme currently has 437 screened participants, recorded on our public portal. The programme has also been flagged as one of value by the NatJOINTS National Priority Committee for inducing legal awareness of extortion definition and enabling practical case handling. Early results from SAPS indicate enhanced early reporting and evidence coordination.”

Empowering businesses against extortion

To help businesses identify and prevent extortion attempts, BACSA provides an Extortion Guideline through the E2 portal, along with operational support, industry-specific information sessions, and liaison with provincial priority committees.

“BACSA’s guideline describes how businesses can identify extortion threats, respond appropriately, and report them safely. We also work together with industry organizations to hold training sessions, so that businesses are informed about their rights and available resources,” Viljoen added.

Managing fear of retaliation

Fear of retaliation is a major reason businesses do not want to report extortion. BACSA recognizes the fear and has created the E2 Initiative to provide a secure and protected reporting mechanism.

“One of the most significant difficulties in combating extortion is the fact that victims do not want to report it – more often than not because they are afraid of reprisals or do not trust the justice system. BACSA works with SAPS Provincial Organised Crime Detectives to facilitate a safe and escorted examination of evidence and provide help with case registration. Victims’ identities are protected where possible, and information is dealt with safely,” Viljoen assured.

One of the qualities of E2 is that, once a case has been logged, an assigned local task team – SAPS detectives, municipal police officials, and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) staff

members – may be brought in to develop physical security strategies and augment police patrols in targeted areas.

BACSA recognizes that combat against extortion is possible only through effective coordination between regulators, prosecutors, and law enforcement. Viljoen stressed that BACSA has a facilitating role in achieving harmony among these groups.

“One of the greatest challenges in tackling extortion is ensuring that all actors in the criminal justice system understand their role and are working together. BACSA works in conjunction with the Justice and Crime Prevention Cluster to promote systemic issues and ensure national level responsibility,” he continued.

Cooperation between Private Security and Law Enforcement

Private security firms are a key contributor to the success of E2 because they provide real-time intelligence that increases the situational awareness and response capacity of SAPS.

“With E2, operationally-relevant intelligence is securely fed in real-time to SAPS and its other law enforcement partners. The crime prevention units have controlled access to the intelligence, enabling them to respond more quickly and strategically to extortion incidents,” added Viljoen.

Ensuring a quick and effective response

To facilitate timely response to reported extortion threats, E2 operates 24/7, communicating directly with SAPS Operational Control Centres.

“When a threat is reported, the E2 representatives activate the issue and are actively involved until the issue is resolved. A task team is rapidly assembled, comprising SAPS, municipal police, and NPA representatives. The teams assist businesses in developing safety plans and, where necessary, initiate tactical initiatives such as heightened law enforcement patrols in the area affected,” Viljoen explained.

Rolling out E2 to other sectors

The E2 Initiative started out with the construction and infrastructure sectors, but BACSA is presently extending it to retail, logistics, and SMEs, where companies are increasingly coming under attack by organised crime.

“E2 is engaging in all the major business sectors and growing through collaboration with industry associations and business chambers. We would like to establish it as the core operational interface between private sector businesses and law enforcement for instant crime prevention,” Viljoen said.

Policy engagement and strengthening legal frameworks

Despite the South African legal framework for extorting prosecution being good, there is a challenge for BACSA regarding policy clarity of procurement process still remaining prominent.

“BACSA agrees that our legal system is adequate when properly applied. However, we are calling for more policy transparency, particularly regarding procurement procedures, to prevent loopholes exploited by criminal syndicates. All policy engagements are funneled through the NatJOINTS National Priority Committee to prioritize and optimize resources,” he said.

Proven results: Making an impact on crime prevention

BACSA’s anti-extortion programme has notably seen success in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, where task teams specialising in extortion have successfully disrupted criminal syndicates.

BACSA CEO Dr. Graham Wright recently noted the success of the program: “Our programme has been successful in areas where attempts at extortion were shut down by concerted effort with law enforcement. Now is the time for businesses to make best use of this system to protect their operations.”

Call to action: Businesses must take a stand

BACSA urges all targeted companies to move quickly by reporting incidents through the E2 Initiative. With access to SAPS specialist units, the NPA, and local law enforcement, companies can protect their businesses from criminal threats.

No business should feel the threat of extortion alone. With E2, we leverage the resources we need to move in, keep businesses safe, and close off criminal networks before they take root. If you’ve been affected, now’s the time to act,” Viljoen appealed.

To find out more or report an attempted extortion, call e2.bac.org.za or email BACSA at info@bac.org.za.

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The problem has been intensified by the emergence of “local business forums,” which extort businesses in various sectors, including taxis, households, and construction. They have allegedly imposed financial demands for “community employment,” a 30% inclusion of small businesses (SMMEs) in projects, and payment for “protection” from disruptions. These practices severely undermine economic progress, and have led to widespread disruptions on construction sites, through threats of violence, and property damage.

In 2019, the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) raised alarm over R25.5 billion in construction projects being violently disrupted, pointing to the detrimental impact on investor confidence. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa prioritised combating criminal extortion in businesses, especially within the construction sector, in his 2020 State of the Nation Address. A specialised police task force was established to address the issue, with the National Development Plan 2030 identifying the fight against extortion as a key deliverable.

Despite these efforts, criminal activity continues unabated. Heavily armed groups invade construction sites, demand employment for community members, and engage in violent acts such as murders, assaults, and the theft of equipment. There are also reports of road blockages and forced shutdowns of construction sites. Water infrastructure, crucial for municipalities, has also been targeted by these groups, seeking to maintain control over municipal water supply contracts. In addition, contractors often face pressure to pay for security or face the destruction of their businesses.

As a response, a multidisciplinary approach has been proposed, involving all security clusters, government departments, financial institutions, and NGOs. The approach focuses on proactive measures, such as criminal intelligence, threat analysis, and syndicate identification. Efforts include undercover operations, surveillance, and the use of informants to disrupt and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in extortion. The Asset Forfeiture Unit has been engaged to seize illicit assets, and a dedicated witness protection programme is in place to protect those who come forward with critical information.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made significant strides in addressing the problem by forming dedicated extortion investigation teams across all nine provinces. Between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2024, a total of 6,056 extortion cases were reported across the country, with Gauteng and the Western Cape being the highest contributors. From April to November 2024 alone, 1,448 extortion cases were reported, with 658 arrests made. Notable incidents include the arrest of men attempting to extort companies installing fibre cables and construction contractors, along with disruptions at significant infrastructure projects such as road and hospital constructions.

The establishment of the national extortion hotline system, which is being consolidated into a single 24/7 helpline, will streamline the reporting and handling of extortion cases. The SAPS has also focused on tackling “prank calls,” which hinder the reporting process, by launching public awareness campaigns to promote responsible hotline use.

Moving forward, the fight against extortion in South Africa’s construction industry requires strengthened provincial extortion teams, centralized management of extortion cases, and enhanced coordination between law enforcement, private sector entities, and relevant government departments. The success of this effort hinges on collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure that these criminal activities are stopped, and that the construction industry can once again contribute to South Africa’s economic growth without the burden of violent extortion.

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“We have also responded to a related question in the National Assembly, highlighting the urgent need for government to take decisive action to deal with extortion-related criminality,” Mashatile said on Thursday.

The Deputy President was responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) relating to several critical issues impacting South Africa’s township and rural economies.

The Deputy President quoted Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who in September spoke about township economic sabotage in four provinces. These provinces include mainly Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

“According to the Minister of Police, these provinces carry 73% of crime levels in South Africa. The gravity of these crimes alone, including extortion, are of serious concern to government, and must be dealt with immediately,” said Mashatile.

He announced that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has since initiated the signing of cooperative agreements with provincial and local governments, which include operational plans that will provide details on the integration of resources against crime.

In addition, Extortion and Kidnapping Task Force Forums have been established in all affected provinces, which involve all the relevant stakeholders, including private business.

On the implementation of measures to deal with sabotage of basic service delivery, such as water and sanitation, by “unscrupulous” owners of water tankers, the Deputy President said the Departments of Water and Sanitation and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs have intervened.

According to the Deputy President, the two departments are assisting struggling municipalities with water tankers as a short-term intervention, while bulk water infrastructure challenges are being resolved.

“In addition to the challenge of construction mafia, which is rife all over the country, we have received reports of unscrupulous owners of water tankers, who are interfering with service delivery initiatives in municipalities, thus extorting money to rent their services, and some selling water to vulnerable communities.”

He stressed that the State was encouraged by the work of Community Policing Forums, whistleblowers and community members, who are actively involved in addressing service delivery-related acts of criminality and extortion across all provinces that have been identified as hotspots.

“However, much more needs to be done to resolve this challenge,” Mashatile said.

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In July 2023, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, revealed that the construction mafias are costing the economy an estimated R68 billion, hampering infrastructure development and slowing much-needed economic growth.

“Extortion rackets have spread like a cancer, not only crippling the construction industry but also severely damaging the small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that form the backbone of our economy. This, in turn, limits job creation, stifles entrepreneurship, and prevents development in already vulnerable communities,” Lisa Schickerling, DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police the Democratic Alliance, said in a statement following the tabling of the report.

The construction industry, which should be a driver of economic recovery, has become a key target for these mafias, further destabilising South Africa’s economic potential. The report also notes that preferential procurement regulations, which require 30% of public sector projects to be subcontracted to local participants, are being misapplied, opening the door to extortion by criminal elements.

The DA reiterated its call for a multidisciplinary approach involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Crime Intelligence, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). “Without close cooperation between frontline police services and prosecution authorities, we cannot make meaningful progress in dismantling these syndicates,” Schickerling said.

“We welcome the ongoing clean-up of corruption within SAPS but note that much more needs to be done. This includes higher-quality security screenings, rigorous lifestyle audits for senior officers, and greater transparency in the fight against corruption within the police force,” the Schickerling statement added.

“The recent establishment of an extortion hotline is a step in the right direction. However, it must be properly resourced, capacitated, and operationally effective to avoid the same failures that have plagued the 10111 call centres. Proper reporting mechanisms and follow-through must be ensured to restore public confidence in the system.

“The DA also welcomes the collaborative crime-fighting agreement between SAPS, the City of Cape Town, and the Western Cape Government. The agreement, born from a new spirit of collaboration thanks to the Government of National unity (GNU), has finally opened the field to engaging with new and innovative approaches to cooperative policing. The police have since signed agreements with the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

“The DA notes the Committee’s recommendations, including further engagement with National Treasury to secure additional funding for targeted interventions against organised crime, and calls for an intensified focus on interdepartmental coordination and intelligence sharing to disrupt extortion rackets.

“Additionally, the DA calls for the committee to prioritise apprehending high-level leaders of these criminal organisations and to address corruption within the police force through enhanced integrity screenings and lifestyle audits,” Schickerling concluded.

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On Wednesday afternoon, police followed up information regarding the whereabouts of a suspect, who was wanted for at least four cases of extortion and another four counts of murder, which he allegedly committed in the KwaNdengezi and Mariannhill areas, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

When police arrived at a house at Gilebe in Inanda, the suspect fired shots at the police and during the shootout, the suspect was shot and fatally wounded. He was found in possession of a pistol with four rounds of ammunition.

In another incident on Thursday, police operationalised intelligence which uncovered the hideout spot of two suspects, who were also wanted for extortion and murder cases.

The suspects were cornered at Edabe informal settlement in Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill, and the suspects shot at the police from inside the house.

In self-defence, police returned fire and during the shootout, the two suspects were shot and fatally wounded. They were found in possession of two firearms.

The three dead suspects had linkages to the six suspects, who were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police at a holiday accommodation in South Beach, Durban, in the beginning of September 2024.

Last month Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said police were hard at work fighting extortion and other related crimes in parts of the country on a daily basis. He said four provinces, namely Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, currently bear 73% of crime levels in South Africa, and the gravity of these crimes alone, including extortion, is of serious concern to the police.

“Extortion has been emerging over time and has now reached levels where all communities in our country beyond the four provinces have become very angry, bitter and agitated. The pain has gone very deep,” Mchunu said.

“It is unacceptable that small businesses, schools and communities are subjected to additional and unlawful taxes that squeeze out the little resources they make,” said Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Police Committee.

The committee said the response to the scourge of extortion requires a coordinated and focused approach. It also reflects the realisation that the police alone cannot win the war against extortionists. A whole society approach has to be adopted, where all stakeholders contribute towards a common goal, the Committee said.

“We have developed an Extortion Action Plan and thus far, we are pleased with the manner in which this plan is being implemented throughout the country. As management, we are particularly encouraged with how our police officers are addressing the crime of extortion across all provinces that have been identified as hotspots,” National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said in mid-September.

“We are following up on tip-offs and information shared through our hotlines and crime stop number. We are fetching each of these extortionists, one by one,” he said, adding that in the first two weeks of September, 14 extortionists were shot and killed during confrontation with police in various provinces.

Masemola said the crime of extortion requires a specialised investigative capacity and that is why police have deployed specialist teams led by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), crime intelligence and organised crime units to lead these investigations.

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The Combat Team acted on information regarding seven occupants of a minibus taxi, who were believed to be extorting money from shop owners in Du Noon. Upon the arrival of officers at the scene, the suspects fled, and officers initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit along Bosmansdam Road, the suspects opened fire at two police vehicles with an assault rifle. Police returned fire and brought the vehicle to a halt on the corner of Bosmansdam and Wylands Roads. The assault rifle, a 9 mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash was recovered, and the minibus taxi was confiscated.

While the injured suspects are undergoing medical treatment under police guard, detectives are investigating leads to prepare charges against the suspects for their imminent court appearances. The identities of the suspects are yet to be released.

The three fatalities and the injuries sustained by the four suspects are being investigated by IPID and a death inquest case docket has been registered. Fortunately, no SAPS members or members of the public were injured during the incident, police said.

Extortion remains a top priority for the Western Cape Police, the SAPS said, and the public is encouraged to come forward by using the toll-free extortion hotline, 0800 314 444.

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