By Karabo Marifi
Residents of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape are taking a stand today, 9 September 2024, by marching to their local police station to submit a memorandum of demands addressing the escalating crime in the area. Organised by community leader Vinny Tsita, the protest aims to highlight the increasing incidents of extortion, which have left both residents and businesses in fear.
One of the key points driving the march is a shocking claim made by Tsita: a local chief has reportedly received a letter from extortionists demanding that he step aside to allow the criminals to extort money from the community freely. This brazen attempt by criminals to control the local economy has sparked outrage, further motivating today’s protest.
This march comes on the heels of growing concern about extortion in Mthatha and across the Eastern Cape. Criminal syndicates in the area have been accused of demanding “protection fees” from local businesses, which has led to several establishments closing their doors out of fear for their safety. The issue has become so severe that earlier this month, a local medical practice was forced to shut down after threats to its staff and operations.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and has ramped up efforts to combat the rise in extortion. Following a recent visit by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to Mthatha, additional police units have been deployed to the region to address the growing threat posed by these criminal networks. The police have urged the community to cooperate by reporting any incidents of extortion and working closely with law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Despite these efforts, the residents of Mthatha remain sceptical about the effectiveness of police interventions. Many feel that the government has not done enough to protect them from the criminal elements that have taken root in the community. Today’s march is a call for more decisive action from both the local and national government.
As the situation in Mthatha continues to unfold, it is clear that this is part of a broader problem affecting many regions across South Africa. Extortion, often linked to gang violence, has become a national issue, particularly in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. The police, while making some progress, still face significant challenges in eradicating these deeply entrenched criminal networks.
The memorandum submitted by the marchers today is expected to detail specific demands for increased police visibility, stronger community engagement, and swift action against known extortionists. The residents hope that by bringing their concerns directly to the police, they can prompt a more robust response that will restore peace and safety to the area.
The outcomes of today’s protest will be watched closely, not just in Mthatha but across the country, as communities grapple with similar challenges. The fight against crime and extortion in South Africa is far from over, and the voices of the people demanding justice will continue to be a powerful force for change.
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