South African police minister, Bheki Cele, held a press conference at the Western Cape provincial police headquarters in Cape Town to update the media about the investigation into ongoing extortion rackets in the City of Cape Town. The multi-agency investigation includes the City of Cape Town's safety and security directorate, the National Prosecuting Authority as well as other law enforcement bodies.

Since last year, during the Covid 19 lockdown, there has been a tremendous spike in reported cases of extortion in Cape Town's poorer townships. Cele announced that the multi-agency investigation has since resulted in 97 accused persons being denied bail for offences they have been charged with.

Robbie Roberts, the Director for Safety & Security in the City of Cape Town, stated that the City's agencies are cooperating in the effort spearheaded by the national police ministry to bust these extortion rackets. The City contributes resources and intelligence sharing to the multi-agency effort.

Yesterday, the South African Police Service, held a ceremony where they announced the addition of 197 officers to the unit that is driving the investigation into these crimes.