Parliament, Tuesday, 20 August 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, is gravely concerned by reports of growing protection fee syndicates in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. The direct negative impact of these syndicates and the impunity with which they operate affects the livelihoods of the people in the area.
“It is patently unacceptable that businesses in the area are harassed to a point of closing down as a result of the operation of these syndicates. The South African Police Service must put in measures to protect businesses and the people of the Eastern Cape against these criminals,” Mr Cameron said.
The boldness of these syndicates is worrying in the context of the current economic challenges South Africa faces. The continued extortion operations will contribute to internal migration, which will in turn break down family structures and intensify the twin challenge of poverty and unemployment, the Chairperson said.
The Minister of Police in his first budget vote speech made a commitment to tackle such syndicates and the Eastern Cape protection fee gangs will be a first litmus test for the SAPS. “We are confident that there remain competent and committed South African Police Service members who will work steadfastly to end this scourge and ensure safety and security for the people of Mthatha and the country in general,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
He also highlighted the concerning increase in extortion cases affecting long-distance buses, particularly in the Eastern Cape and the Intercape Bus Company, which recorded over 170 attacks in the past four years. This directly affects the inter-provincial movement of those people who depend on reliable, safe and cheaper modes of transport, particularly the poor. “The increase in extortion cases deprives the people of the opportunity to make a choice when they travel and they possibly then have to spend more to travel to their destinations,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
The Chairperson emphasised the need for collaboration between the police and the community to break the power of these syndicates. The SAPS must enhance its credibility among the community through action and ensure the investigation and prosecution of members of these syndicates, Mr Cameron said.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
parliament.gov.za
www.parliament.gov.za
