A community Madressa in Langa has allegedly fallen victim to an extortion racket, as police have launched an investigation.
According to the Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB), members of the non-profit religious school were contacted by people who demanded “a once-off “registration fee” of R3,000.00 alongside ongoing monthly payments of R500.00”.
The CTUB noted that the demands were made under threats of violence.
It is alleged that members of the Madressa, out of fear for their lives, complied with paying the “registration fee”.
“The criminals brazenly stated that all businesses in the area are already being forced to comply with identical demands. The targeted institution is not a commercial enterprise; it is a registered community-based charity providing essential feeding schemes, schooling, and daily transport services to vulnerable children,” read the CTUB’s statement, further noting that the institution operates under the Langa Townships Projects.
The CTUB claims that a representative attempted to open a case at the Diep River SAPS, but “officers on duty reportedly refused to assist or formally register a criminal case”. It noted that it then stepped in to assist and managed to open a case with the Athlone SAPS.
“Recognizing the immediate danger to staff and children, the CTUB Community Guardianship Desk took decisive action. On the night of 4 June 2026, Guardianship Desk leader Colonel Dawood Laing, alongside Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan and Member of Parliament Imraan Moosa, personally accompanied the complainant to the Athlone Police Station.”
Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed that an extortion case is being investigated.
“An extortion case was registered at Athlone SAPS for further investigation following an incident on 02 June 2026, in Jabavu Street, Langa. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet,” said Twigg.
Political party Al Jama-ah has also condemned the allegations, adding that its representatives would be engaging with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter gets escalated to the SAPS specialised Exortion Unit.
“Religious institutions, educational facilities, charities, and community organisations should never be subjected to intimidation, threats, or criminal exploitation. Extortion has become a growing threat to businesses, religious institutions, community organisations, and residents across the Western Cape. It cannot be allowed to become normalised,” read the party’s statement.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the Western Cape Extortion Hotline on 0800 31 4444.
