Confronting the crisis: A national call to combat the escalating threat of extortion

3 September 2024

The following speech was delivered this afternoon by the DA Spokesperson on Police, Ian Cameron MP in response to a ministerial statement in Parliament by the Minister of Police on actions taken by the SAPS to deal with extortion in South Africa.

Please download soundbites in English and Afrikaans.

Thank you honourable house chairperson,
Honourable members,
All protocol observed

Extortion is a rapidly escalating threat that affects every layer of our society — from large corporations to small township businesses, and even our schools.

It is a deeply-rooted issue that jeopardises our economic stability and tears at the social fabric of our country. It has, effectively, become a national crisis.

I dedicate this speech to the brave individuals violently assaulted by the eight SAPS VIP protection officers on the N1 in Johannesburg in 2023.

Like an extortion racket, civilians are unfortunately sometimes held captive by the employment of rogue elements in our law enforcement agencies.

These isolated rogue elements unfortunately then cheapen the ranks of the thousands of professional dedicated cops that work so extremely hard

And even though they are in the minority, these bad actors impact not only upon the their fellow officers but erode public trust in our law enforcement agencies.

This incident underscores the need to urgently address the misconduct within our own ranks before we can effectively and sustainably combat the existential extortion epidemic facing our country.

The courage of these victims, and of whistleblowers like Babita Deokaran, Thomas and Cloete Murray, who confront corruption and injustice head-on, are powerful reminders of the vital role that integrity plays in our collective effort to oppose those who exploit and oppress our communities.

Understanding the Extortion Crisis

Extortion is not a new phenomenon in South Africa, but it has now reached a crisis point. Recent events, such as the closure of Dr. Anele Yako's ophthalmology practice in Mthatha, who was forced to shut down his practice and go into hiding due to extortion threats, highlight the destructive impact these crimes have on individuals, their livelihoods, their families and communities, and the essential services they provide.

Extortion acts as an additional, illegal tax on an already strained economy, draining businesses of much-needed funds.

Its spread is fueled by three key factors: the continued growth of violent and organised armed groups, a perception of legitimacy or an element of fear they cultivate within communities, and the inability or unwillingness of state institutions to respond effectively.

A further example is the continued attacks against the Intercape Bus Service in the Eastern Cape, including numerous cases of intimidation and violence.

Attacks, extortion, and intimidation of commuter transport systems threaten the livelihoods of millions and must be addressed urgently.

Extortion syndicates challenge the very legitimacy of the state. Their demands for local 'taxes' resemble quasi-political acts, similar to those seen in regions where gangs or militias have taken over state functions. . And they appear especially where state institutions are weakened or compromised.

The Scope and Impact of Extortion

To extort requires little more than the ability and the willingness to intimidate victims and meet out violence.

No sector is immune, from public transport, construction, and small businesses, to critical public services like healthcare and education.

The ease with which extortionists can infiltrate markets is evident in many parts of the world, and South Africa is no exception.

It has also become pervasive in our nightlife economy, often linked to the drug trade. If unchecked, this will spread to other sectors, only exacerbated by cases of corruption and bribery within law enforcement.

The impact of extortion on our communities is profound. It creates a climate of fear, stifling entrepreneurial spirit and deterring investment.

In townships, where small businesses are lifelines, extortion can ruin businesses, cost jobs, and devastate livelihoods, which in turn worsens poverty and social instability.

The construction industry, plagued by 'construction mafias' demanding a share of contracts, experience project delays, increased costs, and even abandonment, further deterring investment and harming our fragile economy.

In the public sector, extortion groups target essential services like waste collection, water and sanitation, and road maintenance, impacting the poorest communities the worst.

These criminal acts not only disrupt daily life but also undermine the trust in public institutions that are meant to serve and protect, using terror to ensure their victims’ silence and stifling crime reporting.

Learning from Global Responses

The fight against extortion is not unique to South Africa; it is a global challenge that requires innovative responses. Japan's successful efforts to curtail the Yakuza's influence offer valuable lessons in curbing protection payments and countries like Italy have seen success with community-driven initiatives such as the Addiopizzo movement, where businesses publicly reject mafia involvement.

Community-driven initiatives and grassroots movements, supported by effective state action, can empower communities and create a collective stand against extortion.

And although measures as used in other jurisdictions may not be easily replicated in South Africa, especially where monitoring and enforcement pose challenges, the principle remains clear: our joint response to extortion cannot be business as usual.

Proactive Measures and Collaboration

Combating extortion requires a multi-faceted approach. We need specialised law enforcement units focused on combatting extortion and organised crime, capable of gathering intelligence, infiltrating syndicates, and ensuring robust prosecutions.

Strengthening community policing, improving witness protection programs, and fostering collaboration between law enforcement, businesses, and communities are all essential steps towards responding to this existential threat.

We must invest in addressing the root causes of crime, combatting poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. Providing legitimate economic opportunities, especially for the youth, can prevent them from being drawn into a cycle of crime.

Community empowerment programs, educational campaigns, and job creation are vital components of a long-term strategy to weaken the appeal of organised crime.

Conclusion

Extortion is not just a criminal challenge; it is a battle for the legitimacy of the state and the safety of our society.

To combat it, we must take a comprehensive approach that includes immediate law enforcement action, long-term socio-economic development, and robust community engagement.

Our police need support, resources, and the trust of the communities they serve.

We must address corruption within our ranks and ensure that law enforcement operates with the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

I thank you.

Issued by Ian Cameron, DA Spokesperson on Police, 3 September 2024