What was once a distant threat to the West Coast has now hit home. More and more residents and businesses on the West Coast are victims of extortion, a phenomenon many find too painful to talk about.
However, the subject has been thrust squarely into the spotlight by the violent death in May of a 41-year-old man in Nackerdien Street, Witteklip, who many believe was “assassinated” for resisting extortionate advances.
This was compounded on Thursday 31 July, around 21:40, when two males entered a tuckshop in Maji Street, Middelpos, and threatened the 28-year-old owner, using a firearm. demanding money, Tania Helfrich, spokesperson for the West Coast policing district, related. She said the suspects told the complainant to have the money ready by Friday 1 August, or someone would die.
“The suspects, Mfundo Melani (35) and Sikelela Salmane (36), were arrested on the same day, the firearm still in their possession, and they appeared in court on Monday 4 August.”
In another incident, between Monday 21 and Saturday 26 July in Citrusdal, a 33-year-old man received a WhatsApp message from a man demanding protection money. According to Norman van Wyk, a community leader and activist, extortion is largely under-reported due to a widespread fear of being victimised by perpetrators.
“People fear the consequences of perpetrators seeing police at their business and statements being made,” he said. “These extortionists are well organised and have eyes and ears all over. This is how they know whom to target, who the most vulnerable are.”
Another resident, who wishes to stay anonymous, said this form of crime is rive on the West Coast. Shocked by the silence of institutions and organisations, the person believes more needs to be done to help people take their power back through receiving the right information, so this phenomenon can be destroyed in its wake.
Helfrich encouraged residents to report such crimes and to do so anonymously. They can contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 1011.
