By Sihle Mavuso
A faceless gang of mafia-style extortionists has ordered small businesses in Milky Way Road, one of Durban’s busiest areas to pay a “protection fee” of R500 a month or face being closed down.
A note written in Zulu and circulated by the gang said this will start from 1 May.
The extortion demand applies to all businesses operating on Milky Way Road in Pinetown, 16km northwest of the Durban city centre.
Spaza shops and roadside vendors selling food and fruit to workers from nearby factories will also have to pay.
“We wish to inform you that from 1 May every business on Milky Way Road will be required to pay R500 every month as all other businesses are doing,” reads part of the note.
“We ask for your cooperation. If you can’t pay, please stop your business so that we don’t get into an argument.”
The note was was left with various businesses in the area and also pasted onto walls and shopfronts.
Scrolla.Africa called the number on the note, and the man who answered confirmed that it was genuine.
He then claimed that he was merely “holding the fort” for the person who had all the details on the matter and who would come in later.
“We will call you with details on how to make the payment,” he said.
The phone later rang unanswered for the better part of Wednesday afternoon.
Extortion has become widespread in Cape Town, with protection fees ranging from R350 a month to R4,000.
Pictured above: One of the notes that has been sent out to small businesses in the area.
Image source: Supplied
