Michael Sun, the MPL Spokesperson for DA Community Safety says, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands justice for Gauteng business owners being extorted and robbed by corrupt members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The DA has received numerous reports from business owners and operators across the province who are being targeted not only by criminals but shockingly by rogue police officers meant to protect them.
In one recent complaint from Meyerton, large sums of cash disappeared during a police raid, leaving the business owner helpless and distrustful of law enforcement. In another appalling incident in Johannesburg, police officers arrested management staff members at a factory for minor contraventions and demanded an exorbitant R50,000 to release the victims.
Extortion crimes affect every aspect of our society and economy. By extorting and instilling fear in owners and operators, these corrupt police officers commit robbery and directly hinder economic growth while discouraging investment.
It is high time that a dedicated task force is established to root out police-involved crimes and ensure that the full force of the law is applied swiftly and without leniency.
The DA has already submitted written questions to Premier Panyaza Lesufi seeking detailed information about fraud, corruption, and bribery cases reported against the Gauteng Provincial Traffic Police (GPTO) officers in the past 12 months, as well as the outcomes of these cases and any associated costs. These questions remain unanswered. The Premier must answer this question; otherwise, the DA will seek ways to compel him to do so. A DA-led Gauteng provincial government will ensure that business owners operate in Gauteng without the fear of being harassed or extorted by the individuals sworn to protect them. A dedicated task force will be created to look into and ensure that extortionists are held responsible for their actions.
