{"id":5142,"date":"2026-06-11T02:10:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T00:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/?p=5142"},"modified":"2026-06-11T09:30:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T07:30:51","slug":"cape-town-madrassa-targeted-as-south-africas-extortion-crisis-spreads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/11\/cape-town-madrassa-targeted-as-south-africas-extortion-crisis-spreads\/","title":{"rendered":"Cape Town madrassa targeted as South Africa\u2019s extortion crisis spreads"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An attempt to extort money from a Cape Town madrassa is an indication that the criminal racket is becoming more widespread in South Africa.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was once largely associated with the so-called \u201cconstruction mafia\u201d has evolved into one of South Africa\u2019s most pervasive and damaging criminal economies. Extortion is no longer confined to construction sites and infrastructure projects. It has spread into mining, transport, sanitation services and, increasingly, community and faith-based institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scale of the crisis is reflected in the numbers. Between August 2019 and September 2023, police recorded 766 business extortion cases. Since November 2024, authorities have dealt with 745 construction-related extortion incidents, resulting in 240 arrests. Extortion-linked disruptions are estimated to have cost South Africa roughly R63 billion in economic losses since 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many syndicates operate under the guise of \u201cbusiness forums\u201d or self-styled community representatives. Their most common tactic involves demanding a 30% share of contracts or subcontracting opportunities, often falsely claiming that such arrangements are required under “Black Economic Empowerment” legislation. The National Treasury has repeatedly clarified that there is no legal basis for these demands within private contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When businesses refuse to comply, intimidation frequently follows. Extortion networks have been linked to threats, armed robberies, arson attacks, murders and the disruption of major projects. Infrastructure developments, housing initiatives and transport networks across the country have faced costly delays, undermining investor confidence and placing jobs at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The consequences extend far beyond individual businesses. Every halted project affects workers, local communities and the broader economy. Investors are far less likely to commit capital in an environment where criminal syndicates can effectively determine whether projects proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has attempted to strengthen its response through coordinated law enforcement operations, specialised investigations and prosecutions under organised crime legislation. Authorities have also introduced reporting mechanisms aimed at encouraging victims and businesses to come forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet recent incidents suggest extortionists are becoming increasingly emboldened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Langa madrassa extortion attempt<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Cape Town, a non-profit madrassa in Langa recently became the target of an alleged protection racket. According to community leaders, criminals demanded a one-off payment together with ongoing monthly fees under threats of violence. The institution, which provides educational and social support services to vulnerable children, reportedly paid an initial amount out of fear before the matter was reported to police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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