Photo: Rhewal.com
The fast-growing incidence of extortion crime, especially in the construction industry, is costing the country billions and the time has come to take ruthless action to eradicate these syndicates before they become deeply rooted.
The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, admitted in today’s parliamentary debate on the matter that the growing “wave of extortion” and related crimes pose a serious threat to the country and severely impact communities.
He described the syndicates as “armies of murderous parasites” that instil fear in communities, adding that society should collectively “fight and reject” them. The FF Plus wholeheartedly concurs.
The so-called “protection” offered by these syndicates – against them as well – has cost the country’s economy an estimated R68 billion so far. The fear and hesitation to launch new projects that it causes among businesspeople is, for the most part, unmeasurable.
The additional burden of this millstone around the neck together with a government that has been extremely hostile to the private business sector and blamed it for the economic decline is unbearable.
The quarterly crime statistics issued last week indicate that extortion more than doubled within just one year, with most incidents reported in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
This crime is not limited to the construction industry either as it is pervasive in, among others, land, housing, the taxi and hospitality industries.
One of the biggest challenges in combating this crime is the fear of backlash where even family members are threatened and, as with gender-based violence, victims are hesitant to report it.
The FF Plus has warned for years that failing to take decisive action will allow this type of crime to tighten its grip. If these warnings were heeded, it would not have been such a pervasive problem today.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) must show no mercy in cutting off this new tentacle of South Africa’s crime monster. The economy cannot afford any more potholes in the road.
The Minister’s urgency to address the matter is welcomed, as are any plans to eradicate this crime. It will require a lot of courage and expertise from law enforcers, so, mere plans on paper will not have the desired effect.
The FF Plus would like to see the same sense of urgency from government when it comes to farm attacks and murders.
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