The City of Cape Town has sounded the alarm on extortion syndicates operating from Long Street through to Khayelitsha.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith says the City’s Safety and Security Directorate is under severe pressure to respond to complaints about extortion and kidnappings for a ransom.

Due to the growing public panic, the City has directly contacted the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and the SAPS to offer assistance through its Safety and Security Investigative Unit (SSIU).

Smith adds that SSIU will assists SAPS and City enforcement agencies with “watching briefs,” – monitoring and tracking of registered criminal cases through the courts.