Community outrage as extortion gang targets children's religious school in Cape Town

Members of the Cape Town Ulama Board accompanied the complainant to the police station.

A non-profit religious school in Langa in Cape Town is being targeted by criminals, charging the facility R3,000 for ‘protection fees’.

As extortion remains an increasing problem across the nation, the Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB) said organised criminal syndicates have crossed a dangerous threshold by targeting a religious institution.

​A local Madressa, operated under the auspices of Langa Township Projects, recently became the target of a syndicate demanding cash under explicit threats of violence.

“The perpetrators contacted representatives of the charity, demanding a once-off ‘registration fee’ of R3,000 alongside ongoing monthly payments of R500. ​It is believed that out of absolute fear for their lives, the Madressa succumbed to the immediate pressure and paid the R3,000 registration demand,” CTUB said.