By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 July 2025- The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said they have prioritised extortion as it is an emerging crime trend, which causes concern. Otola said extortion can become overwhelming and challenging once it has infiltrated communities, businesses and the construction sector.
She further said extortion is a criminal offence where an individual illegally obtains money, property or services from another person by threatening harm or using coercive measures. Otola added that threats can involve physical violence, property damage, accusations of crime or exposure of sensitive information.
“In an effort to create awareness, an information session was conducted and hosted by Kumba Sishen Mine during which the Northern Cape Provincial Head for Serious and Violent Crime, Brigadier Clayton Du Plooy and the Provincial Head for Organised Crime, Brigadier Rassie Victor addressed and delivered a detailed presentation on Extortion and what it entails.
“Explaining all facets of the crime and how to address such incidents. In attendance at the session that was held at Kumba Sishen Mine in Kathu on 10 July 2025, were representatives from different sections at Kumba mine namely, Protection services, Social Performance teams, Corporate Affairs, Contractor Management and Organization,” she said.
Otola said occurrence of extortion is a serious concern, which requires a decisive and strategic intervention. She said community members and members of the business sector are living in fear, in certain towns, townships and villages and as a result many are closing their businesses and entrepreneurial activities in their respective areas.
“In an effort to address this new emerging crime trend, the SAPS in the province will through community and stakeholder engagement platforms, continue to promote and sustain partnership policing by jointly identifying and devising solutions with key stakeholders in a bid to reduce high levels of crime in the areas hit by extortion related cases.
“Community mobilization is therefore key and continuous stakeholder engagement sessions must ensure they equally present tangible solutions and interventions that will reduce high levels of extortion,” said Otola.
Otola said similar information sessions will be conducted in the quest to prevent and combat extortion-related incidents in the province. She said the public should stay informed about the tactics used by extortionists and taking precautions can help protect yourself and others from becoming victims.
“Never hesitate to seek help if you are being extorted- legal resources and support are available. The public can report incidents of extortion to the National Extortion Hotline – 0800 911 011, Crime Stop @ 08600 10111,” she said.
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