Cops have arrested eight men in connection with extortion in Strand, Cape Town on Sunday 20 July 2024. The officers went to the area after receiving several incidents of extortion.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi highly experienced detectives went into the area to investigate protection fee incidents. He said there have been several complaints from the area about extortion. “By virtue of the meticulous investigation conducted by seasoned detectives, eight suspects were detained for questioning on a charge of extortion,” said Swartbooi.
Protection fee issue has destroyed many businesses in Cape Town and many businesspeople say government has let them down. Many people have left their business as they cannot continue to pay protection fee.
One recent incident that happened in Mfuleni saw a man closing his fish and chips shop. The man who used to be the shopkeeper who now lives in Delft said he ran for his life after his boss was kidnapped. “We had not paid the money R1500 on the 15th, so they came to the shop and gave us 24 hours to pay. The business was down so we couldn’t rise the money within the 24 hours, so my boss ran away from the shop,” he said.
The man aged 34 from Malawi said his Ethiopian boss was later kidnapped and was forced to close the shop. It has been four months since it was shut. Ezitshisayo Team used to be regular customers for fish and shop until it was closed.
Last year, in a shocking incident, a Gugulethu amagwinya seller was killed for protection fee.