Police Minister Senzo Mchunu took to the floor of Parliament on Tuesday to address the rising tide of extortion in South Africa, describing the perpetrators as “armies of murderous parasites” that must be confronted head-on.
Story Summary:
- Police Minister Senzo Mchunu presented an action plan in Parliament to combat extortion in South Africa.
- The plan focuses on high-crime provinces like Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape.
- The strategy involves cooperation with provincial and local governments, CPFs, and private security.
Senzo Mchunu presents extortion action plan in Parliament
In his speech, Mchunu outlined a comprehensive action plan aimed at curbing this escalating crime, particularly in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, which currently account for 73% of the country’s crime levels.
Mchunu expressed grave concern over the deepening impact of extortion, noting that it has evolved into a pervasive threat affecting communities nationwide.
“The pain has gone very deep,” he said, acknowledging the widespread anger and agitation among South Africans who have fallen victim to these crimes.
The minister detailed the modus operandi of these extortionists, who often operate in heavily armed groups, using fear and intimidation to coerce their victims.
Mchunu emphasised that the relative silence from communities is a result of the terror these criminals instil.
“Most of them are individuals who do not want to work but rather choose to parade as armies of murderous parasites that must be fought and rejected by society as a whole,” he asserted.
To counteract these threats, the Police Ministry, led by Mchunu, has been actively engaging in targeted operations across the country.
Recent efforts in Cape Town, for instance, resulted in a shootout in Milnerton, where four suspects were fatally wounded and another four were hospitalized.
Similar operations are underway in the Eastern Cape, focusing on Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay, where illegal occupation of buildings and stock theft are being addressed alongside extortion.
Mchunu also highlighted the disturbing trend of extortionists disrupting sacred and personal events such as church services and funerals.
“We must also mention that we see shocking incidents of lowest morality where church services, funerals and other family-related functions get disrupted by these extortionists,” he said.
The minister’s action plan involves a coordinated effort between national, provincial, and local governments.
Cooperative agreements are being signed with provincial and local authorities to integrate resources and enhance crime-fighting capabilities.
The operational plan, which includes the involvement of Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and private security companies, is currently being rolled out in Cape Town and will soon be replicated in other major metros across the country.
The Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay have already agreed on the operational plan, and its implementation is underway.
Meetings are scheduled with the Gauteng Government to finalise their strategy, followed by discussions with KwaZulu-Natal later this month.
Mchunu’s speech was met with support from various quarters, including Crime Activist and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, who echoed the minister’s sentiments.
“I fully agree with what the police minister said in Parliament today, that extortionists haunting South Africa are ‘armies of murderous parasites’. The minister’s approach is correct, and I really believe that change can come if strategies are correctly implemented,” Cameron stated.
He also emphasised the importance of supporting diligent police officers while removing those who tarnish the force’s reputation.
As South Africa grapples with the scourge of extortion, Mchunu’s plan marks a decisive step in addressing the problem.
However, its success will depend on the effective implementation of strategies and the continued cooperation between law enforcement, communities, and government entities.
