The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile has urged communities and victims of extortion to come forward and report such crimes to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Residents can report these extortion threats though the extortion toll-free contact number 0800 314 444.

Patelike says police have been made aware of various claims in relation to extortion circulating on different social media platforms. SAPS are however convinced that not all of the complaints and alleged crimes that have been shared on social media have been reported to the South African Police Service.

This comes as there has been a notable increase in cases of different communities and people from different spheres of life and occupation, including government service providers, are falling prey to crimes associated with extortion.

Earlier this week, The DA in the Western Cape expressed concern that social workers operating in vulnerable communities are now also being intimidated and attacked by extortionists demanding protection money.

READ MORE: Extortionists targeting social workers

“These crimes consist of other crimes such as murder, robbery, intimidation, kidnapping and other serious crimes.”

In light of this, the provincial police commissioner has established an Extortion Task Team to monitor, investigate and implement operational strategies.

Patekile says this has been done to mitigate the prevalence and curb the increase of extortion-related crime.

The Task Team comprises experienced and highly trained detectives who are supported by intelligence operatives to deal with the investigation of such cases.

“The team is steadily making inroads into this phenomenon.”

Following an analysis of the crimes reported to police, the commissioner says it became evident that not all extortion-related crimes are being reported to SAPS.

An appeal has therefore been made to those who are affected to report it through the SAPS toll-free number. Information shared on the toll-free number will be dealt with confidentially.

“The safety of all inhabitants remain the priority of the South African Police Service.”