By Phumlani Saul
EXTORTIONISTS TARGET EASTERN CAPE INITIATION SEASON
Tsotsi’s Demand Protection Fees from Desperate Families
The Eastern Cape initiation season has been marred by a wave of extortion, as gangs demand protection fees from families with young men undergoing the traditional rite of passage.
According to reports, the gangs are targeting initiation schools in various parts of the province, including the rural areas of the former Transkei and Ciskei homelands.
The extortionists, who are allegedly linked to local amapara, are demanding hefty protection fees from the families of the initiates. The fees, which can range from R500 to R5,000, are allegedly meant to “protect” the initiates from harm during the initiation process.
However, sources close to the initiation schools have revealed that the extortionists are using intimidation and violence to extract the protection fees from the families.
“It’s a nightmare,” said one source, who wished to remain anonymous. “The gangs are threatening to harm the initiates if the families don’t pay up. It’s extortion, plain and simple.”
The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has condemned the extortion and vowed to work with law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
CoGTA spokesperson, Mamkeli Ngam. Said “We are deeply concerned about the reports of extortion and intimidation during the initiation season,”
“We urge the families of the initiates to report any incidents of extortion to the authorities. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The police have also launched an investigation into the extortion and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders has called on the communities to report any suspicious activities during the initiation season.
“We urge the communities to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” said the chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima. “We will not tolerate any form of extortion or intimidation during the initiation season.”
The initiation season is expected to continue until the end of December, with thousands of young men undergoing the traditional rite of passage.
Daily Kasi News 