Mchunu unveils plan to tackle surge in extortion rackets
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says law enforcement is intensifying its operations to combat cases of extortion on four provinces.
The operations will target Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, which account for 73% of the crime.
Mchunu told the National Assembly on Tuesday that recent police actions have resulted in significant confrontations with extortionists in Cape Town, Mthatha, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Gauteng.
He said the police are bolstering intelligence efforts and collaborating with local and provincial authorities.
"We see shocking incidents of lowest morality where church services, funerals and other family-related functions get disrupted by these extortionists,” the minister told MPs.
"Currently, the operational plan is being rolled out in Cape Town with its new six sub-districts. The model will be replicated in all metros in the country.
"The Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay have agreed on the operational plan, and it is currently being rolled out. We will be launching it soon, followed by Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal,” he added.
Mchunu said they are also working with other departments, including the Department of Justice.
"This Friday, we are meeting as the JCPS Cluster to tighten up our act via better synergies. The deadline for us to complete and adopt the National Policing Policy is the end of October this year.
"This will, among other issues, deal with police stations and other infrastructure based on norms and standards.”
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