South Africa Faces Surge in Extortion Crimes with 6,056 Cases and Only 178 Convictions

South Africa is grappling with a surge in extortion-related crimes that are affecting various sectors, including social workers in the Western Cape. Police officials have briefed Parliament on the issue, but the efficacy of the extortion hotline is being questioned. Despite 6,056 reported extortion cases, only 178 convictions have been made, raising concerns among MPs about the lack of detail in the police response plan. The rise in crime is attributed to state failure, under-resourced police, and prosecution paralysis, which are also contributing to vigilantism.