SAPS Chief to Tackle Extortion Crisis in Mthatha
MTHATHA – As extortionists tighten their grip on Mthatha, SAPS national commissioner General Fannie Masemola is set to visit the town this Sunday to address the alarming rise in criminal activity. The town has been rocked by a wave of extortion targeting at least four schools in Mthatha West. Laphumikwezi Primary School was forced to close its doors after receiving threats and demands for money from these criminal groups, leaving the community in fear and uncertainty.
The situation escalated last week when Sakhumzi Dalinzolo Mareke, a self-proclaimed chief linked to the extortion activities, was killed in a shootout with police. The confrontation occurred after Mareke and his men allegedly followed officers from the SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) back to their base. The shootout resulted in Mareke’s death, injuries to two others, including a police officer, and the arrest of one suspect who attempted to flee.
In response to the growing crisis, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced that a coordinated operational plan will be implemented, involving both provincial and local governments, to tackle the extortion problem head-on. Mchunu highlighted that Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape—where Mthatha is located—account for 73% of South Africa’s crime, making the situation in Mthatha particularly critical.
As the town grapples with these challenges, residents are now pinning their hopes on General Masemola’s visit, looking to him for decisive action that will restore peace and security to their community. The expectation is high as Mth
