LOCAL NEWS - Extortion in the public transport industry, specifically the minibus taxi sector, is a growing problem in the country and also rife in Cape Town and the entire Western Cape. This crime is increasingly affecting the everyday lives of citizens in the province.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight, Anroux Marais, and Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, have expressed deep concern over the growing impact of extortion and are calling on all victims, particularly minibus taxi owners and operators, to report these crimes to the police.

In a joint statement the ministers say the crime of extortion not only undermines the safety and security of those working in the industry, but also disrupts the vital transport services relied upon by thousands of commuters daily. “These illegal activities increase the cost of doing business, push operators into financial distress, and threaten the stability of the entire public transport system in the province.”

Incidents of alleged extortion and intimidation have also been recorded in George with drivers of company vehicles picking up workers in Thembalethu being intimidated and even a private bus company receiving threats. 

However, fear of victimisation often prevent the business owners from pressing charges or reporting incidents of extortion. 

Globalinitiative.net report

Long-distance transport companies have long been the target of unscrupulous taxi operators. According to a recent report by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime*, the Intercape Ferreira Mainliner bus company has experienced over 176 attacks since 2015. 

These attacks include stonings, shootings, and acts of intimidation, creating a climate of fear and insecurity for passengers and operators alike.  

Intercape has been in and out of court for a number of years in a desperate bid to get law enforcement to act against these criminals who have a dire effect on their business operations.  

The report states that the taxi industry’s aggression towards long-distance bus companies stems from intense competition over routes and pricing. Taxi operators argue that bus companies, with their extensive networks and competitive pricing, are undermining their business.

To combat this crisis, the report recommends critical actions:

• Prosecution of Coordinated Attacks: Treating violent incidents as organized crime under the Prevention of Organized Crime Act (POCA).

• Comprehensive Investigations: Multi-organisational task forces should investigate extortion in the public transport sector.

• Engagement and Dialogue: Convening high-level panels involving all stakeholders to find peaceful resolutions to disputes.

Since announcing that extortion would be one of the key focus areas of Mobility Month, the Department of Mobility has received a significant number of calls, but Sileku says reports must be directed to the police, who are mandated by national legislation to investigate and take action.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight, Anroux Marais

Marais highlighted the seriousness of the issue, “Extortion is a crime gaining momentum across the country, and unfortunately, the Western Cape is not immune. We urge anyone with information about extortion in any form to come forward and report it to the SAPS."

She says confidentiality is assured, and reports can be made anonymously via the toll-free SAPS extortion hotline at 0800 31 44 44. 

“We know that reporting extortion takes courage and may be scary for an individual, but we have to join hands and work with all law enforcement agencies to deal with this scourge.”

Sileku emphasised the importance of the minibus taxi industry to the province. 

“The minibus taxi industry is a cornerstone of the Western Cape's public transport system, moving thousands of residents daily. Any disruption caused by extortion not only jeopardises livelihoods, but also places an unnecessary burden on commuters.”

Sileku also urged those affected to report extortion immediately.

* The Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime provides a platform to promote greater debate and innovative approaches, which serve as the building blocks to an inclusive global strategy against organised crime.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’