The OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Phumzile Cetyana, calls on all the people of the district not to allow extortionists to rule the district of OR Tambo.
“Come forward and report all extortion incidents to the police; otherwise, this district will be ruled by extortionists,” said Cetyana.
Police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo said that it has come to the attention of SAPS Management in the OR Tambo District that some business owners in the district are becoming increasingly concerned after receiving threats and financial demands in exchange for protection from criminal activities.
He said that business owners are under attack from third parties attempting to extract financial or other benefits by making malicious threats against them.
“This is a crime known as extortion, a punishable offence by law. Extortion attempts are not uncommon, but the details are surprisingly few that ever reach the police or other law enforcement agencies,” said Matyolo.
He added that most people do not report crimes due to intimidation and fear, or they report them on social media instead of going to the police.
According to him, without being formally reported to the police, it allows for extortion to occur.
“Police urge all the victims of extortion to come forward and report such crime to the police with evidence so that investigation can lead to the arrest of perpetrators of perpetrators. People are urged that anyone with information on extortion in the district or who has been approached to pay for protection fees can report anonymously on Crime Stop 08600 10111.
