Teachers targeted by extortionists at Eastern Cape school
The Eastern Cape Organised Crime Unit has launched an investigation into a case of extortion after a threatening note was discovered at Dalibhunga Senior Secondary School on July 26.
According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the note, which was allegedly from an extortionist group, demanded a monthly “protection fee”.
“Teachers at the school discovered a threatening note on the premises. The note demanded a monthly ‘protection fee‘ of R1,000 from each teacher,” said Gantana.
Due to the organised and serious nature of the threat, Gantana stated that the case has been escalated to the Eastern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Unit. No arrests have been made at this stage.
The police have urged the school community to remain vigilant. “SAPS urges school staff, learners, and the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Eastern Cape Provincial Extortion Hotline on 082 387 1561 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111,” Gantana added.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, said authorities are taking the matter extremely seriously.
“We are treating this threat with the utmost urgency. Extortion targeting educators is an attack on our education system and community stability. The Organised Crime Unit is utilising all available resources to identify those responsible,” Kupiso said.
Police investigations are ongoing.
IOL News