Cape Town – National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has declared a firm commitment to using all available resources to combat crime and protect communities in the Eastern Cape.
Speaking on Sunday during a visit to Mthatha and Gqeberha, Masemola addressed concerns about a rise in extortion cases and acknowledged that many incidents are underreported.
Masemola emphasised the need for community cooperation, noting that the newly launched hotline received 1,180 calls, but only 38 were related to extortion.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and senior police officials have returned to the Eastern Cape to provide an update on their efforts to combat crime, coinciding with Police Safety Month in September. Their visit underscores the ongoing commitment to improving safety… pic.twitter.com/B4aGUpSyNC
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 8, 2024
“I am concerned, that the number of cases that have been reported since our visit with the Minister of Police three weeks ago, does not reflect the extent of the problem that has been reported through the media and during our engagements with communities,” he said.
He urged victims to report extortion cases to aid in thorough investigations.
The Commissioner issued a stern warning to criminals: “We are sending a strong message out there to those who are involved in all forms of crime and especially those gangs, criminals and syndicates involved in extortion
“We are going to deal decisively with you and we will not hesitate to assert the authority of the state where necessary. We have full confidence in our intelligence, detectives and specialized units who are fully equipped and ready to defend the communities that we serve. Either those extortionists hand themselves over or we will fetch them ourselves.”
The statement follows the recent killing of Mthatha West traditional leader Sakhumzi Mareke, who was accused of extortion but denied the allegations.
The situation in Mthatha has seen businesses and schools threatened with “protection fees”,with some forced to close or flee.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
