By Buziwe Nocuze
Police in Philippi East, Cape Town, arrived just in time to stop three suspects from extorting money from a foreign shop owner in Acacia.
The incident happened on Tuesday when the three suspects from Nyanga went to the shop to demand “protection fee” money.
A resident on their way to the mall noticed the police entering the shop and decided to watch what was happening.
“I heard that the suspects had come from Nyanga to demand protection money,” the resident, who did not want to be named, said.
The shop owner later confirmed that he was counting the money to give to the suspects when the police arrived.
“We were surprised to learn that the gang was from Nyanga; we thought the group collecting money in Acacia was from Lower Crossroads or Marcus Garvey,” the resident added.
“The police did a great job; who knows what might have happened if they hadn’t arrived in time. A shooting could have occurred, putting innocent lives at risk.”
There have been many shootings in the area, allegedly involving these protection-fee gangs.
Another resident, Phakamani Marwayi, said that on Tuesday, a gang member was shot dead near the Goal supermarket.
“This situation is out of control. We’re glad three suspects were arrested, but the problem is there are many more of them. They keep growing like cockroaches,” Marwayi said.
He also pointed out that community members know who the gang members are but often stay silent.
“People say the police need to fight this, but how can they do it alone when the community keeps quiet? This will never end until we stop hiding these criminals,” Marwayi added.
Pictured above: Police lights.
Source: File
