By Karabo Marifi
In a strong message to criminals, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, reiterated that any attacks on police officers would not be tolerated. This stern warning follows a recent attack on a member of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, where officers are investigating widespread extortion activities.
During a media briefing at the NIU base, General Masemola emphasized that SAPS officers are duty-bound to protect not only the communities they serve but also themselves in the face of threats from hardened criminals. “We are not going to fold our arms and allow a situation where our dedicated and hardworking police officers, entrusted with investigating and tracing hardened criminals, are targeted. We will not tolerate attacks on our men and women in blue,” Masemola warned.
Extortion and Under-Reporting in the Eastern Cape
Masemola expressed concern over the extent of extortion activities in Mthatha, stating that many cases remain under-reported. However, since the establishment of a dedicated extortion hotline just two weeks ago, the police have received 38 reports. The commissioner assured the public that a task team comprising specialized units is rigorously following up on these cases.
“We are working tirelessly to gather intelligence and build cases against those involved in extortion and protection rackets. We are also conducting roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and searches to apprehend suspects. These efforts are yielding results, and we will continue to act decisively against criminal syndicates,” said Masemola.
Growing Attacks on Police Officers
Masemola’s comments come at a time when SAPS officers are increasingly becoming targets of criminal violence. Between January and June 2024 alone, 33 police officers were killed, six of whom were on duty. These numbers underscore the dangerous environment in which officers operate, particularly in areas plagued by organized crime, such as the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
In addition to the attack on the NIU in Mthatha, police officers across the country face regular threats from heavily armed criminals. “We cannot afford to lose this war against criminals who target our police officers. Our members are up against individuals who have no regard for the law, and we must respond with proportional force,” Masemola said during an earlier media briefing oai_citation:10,SAPS to ‘deal decisively’ with extortionists | SAnews oai_citation:9,’We have no choice but to defend ourselves’: Masemola on police shootouts | The Citizen.
Public Support for SAPS
General Masemola has called on the public to support SAPS in its efforts to combat crime. He assured communities that police visibility is being improved to act as a deterrent, particularly in high-crime areas. Additionally, SAPS has recruited over 20,000 new officers in the past two years, with another 10,000 currently undergoing training. These new recruits are expected to bolster the force’s presence and capabilities across various units, including crime intelligence and detective services
Masemola emphasized the need for a collaborative effort between law enforcement and communities to fight crime. He urged the public to report criminal activities, such as extortion and violent crimes, to ensure that law enforcement agencies can respond swiftly and effectively.
Striking a Balance Between Law Enforcement and Accountability
Despite the need for decisive action against violent criminals, SAPS has faced criticism from organizations such as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) regarding the use of lethal force. In response to these concerns, Masemola reiterated that police officers are trained to use force proportional to the threat they face. “Our mandate is to bring perpetrators to justice, but often we are confronted with criminals armed with live ammunition. In these situations, we have no choice but to defend ourselves and the communities we serve,” Masemola explained
While acknowledging the challenges, Masemola stressed that police officers must act within the bounds of the law and adhere to constitutional provisions. He emphasized that SAPS does not seek to escalate violence but must respond appropriately when faced with life-threatening situations. The commissioner also urged criminals to surrender when ordered to do so by the police, warning that continued resistance would be met with a firm response.
The Fight Against Extortion and Organized Crime
The rise in extortion cases, particularly in the Eastern Cape, has been a growing concern for SAPS. These crimes often involve criminal syndicates demanding “protection fees” from businesses and individuals, particularly in economically vulnerable areas. Since mid-August 2024, SAPS has deployed additional members to support efforts in the Eastern Cape, focusing on intelligence gathering and operational activities to dismantle these syndicates.
Masemola’s visit to Mthatha served to reassure the public that SAPS is committed to rooting out extortion and other organized crime activities in the region. He also expressed confidence in the task team’s ability to bring the perpetrators to justice, while urging victims to come forward and report incidents of extortion.
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