Senzo Mchunu Outlines SAPS Efforts to Combat Rising Extortion Across SA

Minister Mchunu condemned the perpetrators of these crimes, describing them as "murderous parasites" who are heavily armed and operate in groups, spreading fear and chaos within communities.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has emphasized the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) commitment to tackling extortion and other related crimes, which have reached alarming levels in several provinces. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Mchunu detailed the measures SAPS is implementing to address the growing threat of extortion, particularly in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape—provinces that account for 73% of the nation’s crime.

Minister Mchunu condemned the perpetrators of these crimes, describing them as "murderous parasites" who are heavily armed and operate in groups, spreading fear and chaos within communities. He acknowledged the widespread anger and frustration among South Africans, reflecting both the severity of the situation and the urgency for action.

Mchunu highlighted recent operations by SAPS aimed at curbing extortion. In Milnerton, Cape Town, a shootout during an operation against identified extortionists resulted in four suspects being fatally wounded, while four others were hospitalized. Similar operations are underway in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay, targeting crimes such as illegal occupation of buildings and stock theft.

The Minister also shared updates on efforts in other provinces, including the arrest of extortionists in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, and the targeting of vulnerable groups like pensioners and Road Accident Fund (RAF) recipients in the Free State.

To strengthen the fight against crime, the government has initiated cooperative agreements with provincial and local authorities, focusing on integrating resources and enhancing operational plans. Cape Town’s new sub-districts are already implementing these plans, which will soon be replicated in all metros nationwide, incorporating community policing forums (CPFs) and private security companies.

Mchunu announced upcoming meetings with provincial governments in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and other regions to discuss the rollout of these operational plans. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among government departments, with a series of meetings planned within the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) cluster to improve synergy and effectiveness in crime prevention.

As SAPS continues its efforts, Mchunu reassured the public that the police will persist in their fight against extortion and related crimes, working tirelessly to restore safety and order across the nation.