Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku hands out leaflets to the public during the launch of the October Mobility Month in Bellville on Tuesday. Picture: Western Cape Mobility Department.
Provincial government officials highlighted the hazards of extortion in the transport industry when they launched the Western Cape government's October Mobility Month at the Bellville Transport Interchange on Tuesday.
Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku, Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais and SAPS Cape Town district commissioner Major General Vincent Beaton visited the transport hub to urge the public to report extortion to police toll-free at 0800 3144 44.
“We decided to come to Bellville as three modes of transport - rail, minibus taxis and buses - are all operating from here,” said Mr Sileku.
Ms Marais said her department was working with the relevant law enforcement agencies against extortionists.
“We have been encouraged by the progress we have seen, but there is still a long road ahead of us.”
Last month, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile established an extortion task team to tackle the crime.
“Through the analyses of reported crime, it became evident that not all extortion-related crime is being reported to SAPS. Hence an appeal is made to those who are affected to report it through our toll-free number. Information shared on the toll-free number will be dealt with confidentiality,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie at that time.
According to the provincial Department of Mobility, Mobility Month highlights the crucial role that the transport sector plays in the province, and the programme this year will focus on promoting safety across all modes of transport, with particular attention on tackling extortion in the sector.