Moorreesburg police have urged the public to report any form of extortion, in which people unlawfully extract money or property through intimidation where threats are being made to harm property.
Some of these threats can include accusing a person of a crime or threatening to reveal embarrassing information, said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Nicolette Visagie.
“A similar variety is offering protection, meaning the person pays a fee in exchange for protection against vandalism, theft or any other harm. The person’s family members and friends may also be recipients of these threats.”
Visagie warned people not to share any personal details on social media or over the telephone. “Also, make sure of the person’s details and items on offer before buying anything on social media.”
The police also asked the public to be vigilant, report criminal activities, know where your children are and do not go alone to the ATM, especially night.
Furthermore, Moorreesburg police, with the assistance of members of the Victim Empowerment initiative and the local community policing forum, will perform awareness campaigns in hotspot areas and engage the community on focus areas, such as domestic violence, community safety, gender-based violence, crime against women, children and other vulnerable groups and extortion.
“Undocumented spaza shops, the selling of cigarettes to children and illegal liquor outlets are also prohibited. Please report these illegal sightings immediately.” Visagie said.
