Extortion-related crimes have topped the list of incidents reports across the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and in the Eastern and Western Capes.
Earlier this week, KZN police fatally wounded six men linked to a string of extortion-related crimes across the province. The gang was traced to an apartment in Durban's Point area and were killed when they opened fire on police, who retaliated.
Speaking at the scene, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, said they have noticed a trend of where extortionist groups are targeting tuck shops in township areas.
These are mostly owned by foreign nationals and these gangs walk around, demanding money from them, Mkhwanazi said.
This is part of the problem that we are having. Many of these people have been arrested and a lot have been killed. For every one that dies, another youngster is bored and they decide to take over the reigns and do the same.
