Recent reports highlight that businesses in the inner city are being approached by opportunistic gang leaders seeking ‘protection fees’. In several instances, hotels, cafes, and restaurants are demanded up to R20,000 per month in such fees.
MPP Baartman says: “Businesses, especially the hospitality and leisure tourism industries, have already been hard-hit by Covid-19 and crippling regulations. As we encourage firms to now safely resume operations, we cannot allow a small group of underworld gangs to hamstring desperately needed economic growth. We are already witnessing some restaurants close, as they fear for the safety of employees.”
Organised criminal syndicates have long demanded protection monies, though usually restricted to night clubs. With current lockdown regulations in place, they seek to extort such funds from the hospitality industry and, most recently, commercial and residential properties.
MPP Allen comments: “I have written to the provincial Minister for Community Safety, Albert Fritz, requesting his feedback on engagements in this regard with the South African Police Services and the City of Cape Town. Due to the nature of these crimes and the history behind them, we further appeal for the Hawks to promptly investigate.
We cannot have an environment where businesses lack assurances of safety for both their staff and customers. Any gang bosses have to be investigated for what are allegations of extortion. Thuggery will not take over our city.”
