Philippi CPF calls on community to work with police in combatting extortion-related crimes

CAPE TOWN - The Philippi community policing form (CPF) is calling on community members to work with police in combatting extortion-related crimes in the area.

It comes after the Western Cape Community Police Board raised concerns about increased extortion incidents.

It said residents were living in fear due to protection fees being demanded by criminals, with some residents unable to go to work, and children not attending school as a result.

According to the CPF, some Philippi residents were withholding information that could help police nab the perpetrators.

CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe said: "People are living in fear, but one thing we should be aware of is that keeping quiet and not addressing this issue will make things worse than before in our communities."

Qwebe added that businesses in the area were forced to pay protection fees to extortion syndicates or face closure.