Extortionists are increasingly targeting the education sector in the Western Cape, demanding protection fees from schools or threatening vandalism if their demands are not met, Cape {town} Etc reports.
A report by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) highlights a disturbing trend where some schools, particularly in Khayelitsha, have faced break-ins linked to extortion.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that at least seven cases of potential extortion have been reported since the start of the year, though specific school names were withheld for privacy reasons. Extortionists have even been seen intimidating staff and students by parking outside schools to mark their territory, adding pressure on schools to comply.
One case involved an acting principal threatened by extortionists who discovered his predecessor had been paying protection fees. These threats have been widespread, with extortionists also targeting scholar transport services in areas like Masiphumelele, where there have been similar demands for protection fees from taxi associations.
Jaco Deacon, CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of SA Schools, noted that these extortion tactics are not limited to the Western Cape, with incidents also reported in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The issue, he said, is part of a broader societal problem impacting various sectors, from transport to construction, undermining education and the safety of learners.
While schools are often reluctant to report these incidents due to fear of retaliation, the urgent need for community involvement and better security to protect educational institutions is clear.
Also read:
Picture: Supplied
