National Police Minister Senzo Mchunu addressed the National Assembly on Tuesday, outlining the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) intensified efforts to combat the escalating threat of extortion across the country. Mchunu revealed that four provinces—Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape—are currently bearing the brunt of the nation’s crime rate.
“These four provinces account for 73% of South Africa’s crime levels. The severity of these crimes, particularly extortion, is of grave concern, extending beyond their geographical concentration,” Mchunu stated.
He noted that extortion has grown steadily over time and now affects communities nationwide, not just those in the hardest-hit provinces.
“Communities are increasingly angered and agitated by the deepening pain caused by these crimes. The mood in these areas echoes the unanimous condemnation expressed in this House recently,” he added.
Mchunu also acknowledged the role of socio-economic challenges in exacerbating crime levels, stressing the urgent need to address these underlying issues.
He assured the Assembly that SAPS, under the guidance of the police ministry, is diligently working to curb these crimes.“Recent operations have targeted extortionists identified through intelligence. In one such operation in Milnerton, Cape Town, four suspects were fatally wounded during a shootout with police, while four others were hospitalised with injuries,” Mchunu reported.
He also highlighted ongoing operations in the Eastern Cape, focusing on Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay, where crimes like illegal occupation of buildings and stock theft are prevalent. “Twelve cases have been reported through our hotline, and investigations are ongoing. Although we are encountering resistance from criminals, the police will prevail,” he asserted.
Mchunu expressed concern over the moral degradation seen in incidents where extortionists disrupt church services, funerals, and family events. In Gauteng, three suspects were arrested in Bronkhorstspruit for extortion-related activities, while Soweto has been identified as a hotspot for such crimes. In Mpumalanga and the Free State, recent arrests have been made in cases of extortion, including targeting pensioners and recipients of the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
“Generally, there is more extortion going on than meets the eye, necessitating increased crime intelligence operations,” Mchunu said. He announced the signing of cooperative agreements with provincial and local governments, integrating resources to combat crime effectively.
Currently, an operational plan is being rolled out in Cape Town, with a model that will be replicated in all major metros across the country. The plan includes collaboration with Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and private security companies.
Mchunu further revealed that the operational plan will soon be launched in the Eastern Cape, with meetings scheduled with Gauteng’s local government on Thursday and KwaZulu-Natal’s on September 19 and 20.
“We are also engaging with other government departments as part of the National Integrated Crime Prevention Strategy. This Friday, the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) cluster will convene to strengthen our collaborative efforts,” Mchunu announced.
He concluded by stating that the National Policing Policy is expected to be finalised by the end of October. This policy will address issues such as police stations and infrastructure, ensuring they meet established norms and standards. “We believe traditional leaders and communities have a crucial role to play and will be actively engaged,” Mchunu added.
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