Suspected extortion war leaves 2 dead in George township

An alleged extortion war led to two men being shot dead in Thembalethu, George, yesterday morning.

One of the victims was found inside a blue Mazda and the other in a nearby yard. Both had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were declared dead by paramedics on the scene.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, police officers were patrolling the area in 29^th Street, Zone 7, when a resident stopped them and told them about the incident.

Police say the motive of the killing is yet to be established. However, according to a source with insight into the incident, it points to a fight between two groups of extortionists in the area who charge business owners ‘protection money’.

It is believed that the alleged extortionists frequently visit businesses demanding a protection fee. This is a monthly fee and if not paid, the consequences could be dire.

Speaking on agreement of anonymity, a Thembalethu businessman told George Herald that the extortionists come at the end of every month. “Shop owners are paying in fear of not only their lives, but [those] of their employees and families,” he says.

No arrests have been made.

The public is asked to come forward with any information that could assist police in bringing the offenders to book.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thembalethu detectives on 044 802 8906 or 079 894 1576. Alternatively, information can be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app.

All information will be dealt with confidentially.