Gugulethu residents feel safer after alleged extortionist is killed

A businessman from Gugulethu says that residents feel a bit safer now that an alleged extortionist has been shot and killed. 

The man, known as "Spoon," died during a reported shootout with police in Mfuleni last Thursday. He was accused of being part of a group that threatened Gugulethu residents and demanded money from local businesses for a so-called protection fee. Gugulethu has been struggling with extortion-related crime. 

Picture: Pixabay

The businessman mentioned that the extortion issue in Gugulethu has gone on for too long, and many people are afraid of these extortionists. 

"It seems as if the police are doing nothing, that's what we are seeing at face value because these boys are known. They are doing this every month, and they are getting away with it. The police know their collection dates, they know when they usually come," he said 

In June, a local leader from the Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO) was shot near his home in Gugulethu after he reportedly refused to pay a protection fee.

"They think they have the license to kill because these boys if you don't pay, they kill you. The provincial chairperson of AZAPO in the Western Cape has flats and stays in Gugulethu, and was killed by these boys of protection fee," he added.

 

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen