Police said the Western Cape’s extortion hotline is receiving fewer reports than expected.
The anonymous hotline was launched in 2024 to encourage victims and witnesses to report cases without fear of being identified.
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But police said few people are coming forward, despite persistent extortion rackets.
This comes as four suspects are appearing in the Bishop Lavis court on Monday in connection with violent attacks on business owners in Bonteheuwel.
Last week, a Somali shop owner was shot dead in the area while serving customers in his shop.
Police spokesperson Andre Traut said officers understand why many victims remain silent.
“The extortion hotline remains an important tool in our efforts to combat extortion in the Western Cape, even though the number of calls received has been lower than expected. We understand that many victims fear intimidation or retaliation.”
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