Police doing their best to deal with extortion cases: Masemola

National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola has assured residents of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape that his officers are doing their best to deal with extortion cases.

Last week, a man reported to be a self-proclaimed traditional leader implicated in extortion cases was killed in a shootout with police.

Masemola addressed the media in the area where extortion syndicates have been terrorising residents.

He says, “We are assuring communities that a dedicated team of investigators and members from specialised units that are tasked to the task team dealing with extortions are working on this information- with a view to build up cases and bring those responsible to book.”

Provincial Police Commissioner Nomthetheleli Mene says they have already established an extortion investigation team.

Meni says, “In terms of the vetting of the members we have already chosen the team that is focusing on extortion cases, based on their experience and the way they are conducting themselves that’s a first thing. The second part is that I’ve promised that the team will be vetted, we still starting with increasing the number of these members because we can see the magnitude of this extortion in the province. So that is the first thing, the next step, the vetting process will unfold. It is a very long process.”

VIDEO | The National Commissioner of SAPS briefs the media on interventions to combat crime: