Cape Town - Somali shop owners are being threatened with death if they do not pay protection money to a new extortion group operating in Philippi East.
Local crime fighters said a letter has been circulated warning businesses not to pay protection money to a group from Lower Crossroads.
“There are new tax collectors from Marcus Garvey. Do not give these Lower Crossroads boys money ever again or else we kill every Somalian. Thank you. Be informed collection date is on the 5th of every month,” reads the letter, signed “Marcus Garvey”.
Former Nyanga cluster chairperson and current member of the Western Cape provincial community police board, Martin Makasi, said the letter sparked major concerns and prompted an investigation by the police.
“We are aware of the letter and the provincial police immediately started the investigation. What is happening is that this group is demanding that the group from Lower Crossroads not be allowed to tax in their area.
“A meeting was called with the local schools, which I attended because it was found that the learner attendance numbers had dropped as a result.”
Makasi said the extortionists were as young as 18-years old, saying after the murder of one of the alleged suspects last week, his lavish lifestyle was revealed.
“We hear they are charging between R500 and R1 200 and when one of the suspects was shot last week, it showed how lucrative the extortion is.
“He was driving a Mercedes-Benz as a youngster while the community is living in absolute fear.
“Right now they are even extorting crèches and daycare centres who are forced to pay, as they worry about the safety of young children.”
Police spokesperson, André Traut said they were aware of the letter.
He said the origin and circumstances of the threats were part of an investigation.
“Additional operational forces have been deployed in Philippi East to ensure the safety of the community, and curb the gang-related violence.
“Extortion is among the top crime priorities in the Western Cape and every endeavour is made to combat this crime and root it out.
“A provincial extortion task team was established and their investigations have proved to be fruitful with many successful cases brought before court,” Traut said.
He said the task team attended frequent integrated meetings conducted with stakeholders to monitor and coordinate progress.
“As extortion modes of operating are often area based, local station commanders are conducting unique crime fighting initiatives and operations in their precincts to address the various forms for maximum impact.
“Victims or any persons who are aware of extortion-related crimes are encouraged to report it to the extortion hotline on 0800 314 444 so that an investigation can be initiated,” Traut said.