POV Imbizo: Extortion Syndicates

According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, extortion is a rapidly worsening problem throughout South Africa. This is the first in a series of reports tracking its spread across the country. The Western Cape, an economic hub with a long history of gang violence and extortion, is particularly hard hit. The City of Cape Town is host to a menacing shadow economy, with money, services and goods being extorted from an increasingly wide range of businesses, including spaza shops, nightclubs, construction and transport companies, as well as individuals. Phemelo speaks to Researcher at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane and National Police Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe.