Speaking to the Cape Argus, shop owners in the Thembalethu township said they felt trapped and that their only choice was to pay monthly protection fees or be killed. File picture
Cape Town - Foreign shop owners along the Garden Route say they are crippled with fear amid rampant extortion syndicates operating in their community.
Speaking to the Cape Argus, shop owners in the Thembalethu township said they felt trapped and that their only choice was to pay monthly protection fees or be killed.
During a Friday morning trip to the township just outside of George, the presence of a press photographer sparked fear as some owners immediately closed their doors when asked about extortion in the community.
The township, which is home to an estimated population of 70 000 residents, consists of at least one spaza shop on every residential block.
While some owners agreed to speak anonymously, others appeared reluctant amid the recent murder of one of the men believed to be in charge of the syndicates.
A local crime fighter, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said the shooting at a car wash just metres from the police station left the community on edge.
“About a month ago one of the leaders of these extortion rackets was shot in broad daylight. In Thembalethu it is only the foreign shop owners who are targeted. Locals are left alone. Foreigners are forced to pay between R500 and R1000 or they are killed. The rentals for the spaces they occupy is also not cheap and they can pay up to R10000 a month for a small space.”
When visiting a shop owned by Ethiopian brothers in a section of Thembalethu known as Asazane, they told the Cape Argus that protection fees are sought even before a business starts operating.
They claim gun toting men in their 20s arrive and openly threaten owners without fear of being caught.
“We have been here for two years but when they saw we were busy opening (a shop) they came already. We pay R500 on the first day of the month and if you don’t pay these boys will kill you. They insist this is their place and we must pay to be here. There is no point in going to the police as nothing will happen and these gangsters will just come back. We don’t go to the police, we pray to God and carry on,” said one of the brothers.
A Bangladeshi business owner who has been running a spaza shop for nearly a decade said extortion was nothing new. He also admitted to paying R500 each month and said he wants to avoid being robbed.
“They operate in gangs but the gangs don’t have a name. I have been here for almost 10 years and even the previous station commander was aware of the activities. I pay R500, but what must we do? The truth is you either pay R500 or you get robbed. We must also think about the safety of our children and families.”
Police spokesperson, Christopher Spies, said many are being affected by extortion.
“Information available suggests that different communities and people from different spheres of life and occupation, including government service providers, are falling prey to crimes associated with extortion. However, no such cases were reported at Thembalethu in the recent past.
“To mitigate the prevalence and curb the increase of extortion related crime, the provincial commissioner has established an Extortion Task Team to monitor, investigate and implement operational strategies.
“The team comprises of experienced and highly trained detectives who are supported by intelligence operatives to deal with the investigation of such cases,” said Spies.
“An appeal is made to those who are affected to report incidents at the local police stations or via the hotline numbers at 0800 314 444 or 0800 911 011. Information will be treated confidentiality and all leads will be followed up.”
Related Topics: