By Anita Dangazele
- A handwritten note told teachers to pay R1,000 monthly or face the consequences, and police say they are treating it as a serious threat.
- The case has been taken over by the organised crime unit, and police are calling on the community to report anything suspicious.
Teachers at the Dalibhunga Comprehensive High School in Ngqeleni were left a threatening note demanding R1,000 from each of them every month.
The note was found by staff on 26 July. It warned teachers that they had to pay the money regularly in return for “protection”.
The police believe it came from an extortion gang and have handed the case to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, who is the acting provincial police commissioner, said they were using all their resources to track down the suspects.
“We are treating this threat with the utmost urgency,” she said. “Extortion targeting educators is an attack on our education system and community stability.”
The incident has shaken the whole school. Staff are afraid for their safety, and learners are also scared.
So far, nobody has been arrested, but police say they are taking it very seriously and will update the public as they get more information.
They have asked teachers, learners, and people in the community to stay alert and to report anything unusual.
Anyone with information should call the Eastern Cape Provincial Extortion Hotline on 082 387 1561 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Pictured above: A police tape.
Image source: File
