PRICE OF PROTECTION

Cape Flats communities in fear as extortionists tighten grip on lives

- BY KIM SWARTZ

TARGETS: Local spaza shops remain among the hardest hit by extortion gangs

EXTORTIONISTS are tightening their grip on Cape Flats communities, with residents, businesses and even early childhood centres falling victim to threats, intimidation and forced payments.

From spaza shops and businesses to private homes under siege and crèches in Philippi being forced to shut down, the crime is spreading silently, leaving fear and disruption in its wake.

In Manenberg, extortion is a crime often hidden in plain sight, within a community already plagued by gang violence.

Manenberg station commander Brigadier Jayce Naidoo said extortion sits at the intersection of theft, coercion and robbery.

He explained that three fundamental elements must exist: a threat, the intention to wrongfully obtain something of value, and coercion.

Naidoo said the threat is often subtle and calculated.

He said: “It doesn’t have to be a threat of physical violence. It can include threats to damage property, ruin a reputation through blackmail, or abuse a position of power within a community.”

He added that extortion in the precinct often presents itself in the form of taxi operators being forced to pay to use routes, such as Manenberg Avenue.

He said: “Protection rackets are run by gangs, with businesses including tuckshops and foreign-owned spaza shops being forced to pay for 'protection'.

“Threats are also made against public officials, with demands for contracts linked to municipal projects.