EFF urges Parliament to establish a specialised ad hoc committee to address the escalating extortion problem. File Picture: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate the growing issue of extortion rings.
In an interview on Newzroom Afrika, EFF Member of Parliament, Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi emphasised the urgency of addressing this problem, citing widespread public dissatisfaction and daily complaints about extortion affecting lives.
Mkhaliphi highlighted the broad consensus among MPs and political parties regarding the seriousness of the extortion issue.
"We debated this motion, and every ordinary person, every member of Parliament, and political party acknowledges that extortion is a significant problem," Mkhaliphi said.
Mkhaliphi criticised the Democratic Alliance (DA) for proposing amendments to a motion without consulting the EFF. she stated.
"We are very much disturbed by the ambush of the DA, where they didn't consult the EFF on the amendments and refused to adopt the proposed ad hoc committee. Instead, they suggested taking the matter back to the police committee," she said.
Mkhalipi said the EFF's proposed ad hoc committee aims to conduct a focused investigation into extortion practices and provide actionable recommendations.
Mkhaliphi also stressed the severity of the situation, saying, "It’s very painful. People are being killed if they can’t pay back the protection fees demanded by these extortionists."
She described how extortionists target small businesses in townships, demanding large sums of money from businesses with minimal profits.
Mkhaliphi expressed frustration with the DA's proposed amendment, which she argued undermined the urgency of the issue.
"We don’t understand why the DA would propose an amendment that doesn’t make sense," she said.
Furthermore, Mkhaliphi drew parallels with previous ad hoc committees, such as the one established during the disaster and floods season, which effectively addressed those issues.
She argued that a dedicated ad hoc committee for extortion is similarly crucial.
"This committee is needed urgently, if not yesterday," she said.
IOL