Cape Town - President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that the growth of extortion syndicates posed a threat to the country.
He added that it was prioritised by law enforcement agencies, working together with stakeholders across government and society.
He said this during the question and answer session at the NCOP yesterday afternoon.
Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana from the Eastern Cape asked Ramaphosa whether the government had considered the negative impact of the growing trend of protection fee and business extortion to the economy, and the impact on delivery of services such as schools and state infrastructure projects.
Ramaphosa said: “The growth of criminal extortion in several parts of the country is contributing to a climate of lawlessness and fear. Extortion has a great economic cost, disrupting business activity, delaying or halting the construction of infrastructure, and generally raising the cost of doing business.
“The SAPS is directing its response to these crimes to areas where they are most prevalent. For example, the SAPS has established the Eastern Cape Provincial Extortion Forum specifically to address extortion-related issues in the province.
“An organised crime task team has also been established to investigate all extortion cases reported in the province.”
He added that a multi-disciplinary approach was adopted that included Crime Intelligence and the Hawks.
“A modus operandi and target analysis has been conducted. This has confirmed that the identified gangs are operating in syndicates to commit organised criminal activities.
“The cases are, therefore, being dealt with in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. This focuses on the identified gang leaders to neutralise the activities of the syndicates.
“The investigation is conducted in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority and other relevant stakeholders. This includes co-operation with the Asset Forfeiture Unit to ensure that the proceeds of crime are recovered by the state.
“The SAPS has also deployed more uniformed police officers, including certain specialised visible policing capabilities, to identified hot spots to provide a visible policing deterrent,” Ramaphosa said.
In addition, he said an Extortion and Kidnapping Task Force Forum had been established.
“This involves all relevant stakeholders, including business entities.
“The Task Force Forum meets monthly to identify trends regarding extortion and kidnapping, thereby ensuring a well-informed, collaborative approach.
“The growth of extortion syndicates is a great concern. It has therefore been prioritised by our law enforcement agencies, working together with stakeholders across government and across society.
“We are confident that by working together, we will be able to defeat these criminals,” Ramaphosa said.