A primary school in Mthatha has reopened on Wednesday after being forced to close due to extortion threats, with a strong police presence to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Story Summary:
- The school was closed last week due to extortion threats.
- Extortionists demanded the monthly rental fee from a network tower on the school grounds.
- AbaThembu King Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo visited the school to show support.
Mthatha primary school reopens amid extortion threats
Laphumikhwezi Primary School in Mthatha reopened on Wednesday, 21 August 2024, following a temporary closure caused by extortion threats.
The school was shut down last week after a group of individuals stormed the premises, demanding that the funds from a network tower located on the school’s property be deposited into their accounts.
The school’s leadership, in agreement with concerned parents, decided to close the school temporarily to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The extortionists targeted the school’s network tower, a common feature in many South African schools, which generates an average monthly rental fee of around R7,000.
The group claimed that the school was situated on their ancestral land and that they were entitled to the funds. The intimidation and threats led to the closure of the school, disrupting the education of hundreds of children.
The tower in question is a cell tower leased to a telecommunications company, generating a steady income that the extortionists attempted to redirect to their accounts.
Such incidents have become increasingly common in South Africa, where criminal syndicates use intimidation to take control of legitimate income sources.
To show support for the school and condemn the actions of the extortionists, AbaThembu King Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo visited Laphumikhwezi Primary School.
The King’s visit was intended to reassure the school community that no further intimidation would be tolerated.
His presence, along with a heightened police presence, ensured that the school could reopen without incident.
Mthatha businesses shut down over ‘protection fees’
The extortion at Laphumikhwezi Primary School is part of a broader issue affecting the Mthatha region, where numerous businesses have been forced to close due to demands for “protection fees.”
These fees are typically demanded by criminal syndicates, particularly targeting foreign-owned businesses.
The threat of violence and intimidation has led to several businesses shutting their doors permanently.
In response to the escalating extortion crisis, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed additional resources to Mthatha.
National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced that multidisciplinary teams, including detectives from Organised Crime and the National Intervention Unit, have been sent to the area to combat the rising gang violence and extortion.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to tackle the issue, which has plagued not only Mthatha but also other regions across South Africa.