Brute force not enough to fight extortion rings, says Makashule Gana

Rise Mzansi’s Chief Organiser and National Assembly Caucus Whip, Makashule Gana, says efforts to dismantle extortion rings in the Eastern Cape province and across the country will require intelligent policing, not just brute force.

Gana was reacting to the move by Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, and the National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, which is to deploy the SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in the province’s affected areas.

“While this will do well in improving visible policing, it is a reactive response to a societal emergency that has threatened the way of life for residents in Mthatha, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town in different forms,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

RELATED STORY: Masemola bolsters police force to fight gangs, extortionists.

Criminal syndicates in Mthatha (OR Tambo District) have been demanding protection money from businesses, schools and healthcare facilities, even assaulting workers in some instances.

Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School, Bambanani Junior Secondary School, Maholweni Junior Secondary School and Laphumikhwezi Junior Secondary School were recently invaded by criminal gangs attempting to extort money in their premises.

Gana said the necessary response to this situation requires the deployment of the Crime Intelligence Division to work with the Hawks and the newly empowered Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

He also noted that “in order to get a better understanding of this form of organised crime and the effectiveness of the current response, RISE Mzansi has submitted questions for reply to the Minister of Police”.

“The crux of our questions seek to understand whether the ring leaders, not just ‘runners’ are being identified, arrested, prosecuted and sent to jail,” Gana explained.