Spike in 'pay, or you're dead'

WARNING: EXTORTIONISTS TARGET SMALL AND LARGE BUSINESSES - AND EVEN THE ELDERLY

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde

South Africa is becoming the "extortion nation," as extortionists target large and small businesses in the retail, hospitality and construction sectors as they see an increase in cash flow - and incidents are expected to rise in 2025 as the trend grows.

According to parliament's police committee chair, Ian Cameron, the extortionists thrived during the festive season due to a reduction in law enforcement officers who had taken leave or were reassigned to monitor tourist hotspots. "This created a temporary gap in security coverage that criminals could exploit."

Lieutenant-General Khosi Senthumule told the committee last month in some parts of the country, extortionists were now targeting the elderly and disabled. "Vulnerable communities such as the disabled, blind and pensioners have had their social grants being extorted by criminals," she said.