ActionSA Member of Parliament Elana James has described extortion as a cancer that has spread in the country.
She says communities and business are not safe under the current government.
James was participating in the debate in the National Assembly on Police Minister Senzo Mchunus statement, where he outlined how police are dealing with extortion.
"The issues of extortion in our country have spiraled dangerously out of control, becoming a crisis that strikes at the core of our economy and our society. This isnt just about crime. Its about governments inability to serve and protect our communities and our businesses. Extortion rackets have spread like cancer, threatening our economy, destroying businesses, business confidence and terrorising our communities. No sector is immune from this notorious construction Mafia to now even local businesses that are under siege. Look at the Eastern Cape where businesses are driven out of business."
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula says government should take the lead from police in KwaZulu-Natal on how to deal with acts of extortion and other crimes.
