Members of the Cape Town Ulama Board accompanied the complainant to the police station.
Image: CTUB
A non-profit religious school in Langa in Cape Town is being targeted by criminals, charging the facility R3,000 for ‘protection fees’.
As extortion remains an increasing problem across the nation, the Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB) said organised criminal syndicates have crossed a dangerous threshold by targeting a religious institution.
A local Madressa, operated under the auspices of Langa Township Projects, recently became the target of a syndicate demanding cash under explicit threats of violence.
“The perpetrators contacted representatives of the charity, demanding a once-off ‘registration fee’ of R3,000 alongside ongoing monthly payments of R500. It is believed that out of absolute fear for their lives, the Madressa succumbed to the immediate pressure and paid the R3,000 registration demand,” CTUB said.
According to the organisation, the criminals brazenly stated that all businesses in the area are already being forced to comply with identical demands.
“The targeted institution is not a commercial enterprise; it is a registered community-based charity providing essential feeding schemes, schooling, and daily transport services to vulnerable children,” it said.
The organisation said the plight of the Madressa gained public traction after community activist Faizal Alexander and the City of Cape Town Councillor, Shameemah Salie, flagged the extortion across their social media platforms.
“Prior to civil society taking action, a representative from the project attempted to fulfil their civic duty by reporting the intimidation at the Diep River SAPS. However, officers on duty reportedly refused to assist or formally register a criminal case, leaving the charity completely exposed and sparking widespread community outrage,” CTUB said.
Following the failure of local enforcement agencies, community activists contacted the CTUB to step in and assist.
“Recognising the immediate danger to staff and children, the CTUB Community Guardianship Desk took decisive action. On the night of June 4, 2026, Guardianship Desk leader retired Colonel Dawood Laing, alongside Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan and Member of Parliament Imraan Moosa, personally accompanied the complainant to the Athlone Police Station,” CTUB said.
According to the organisation, Laing spoke firmly and demanded a criminal case be opened and further have the matter handed over to the SAPS’ specialised Extortion Unit.
“The extortion of a religious school is a vile act and an indictment on society,” it said.
The CTUB leadership further emphasised that houses of worship are the heart of communities and are the exact spaces that strengthen neighbourhoods, offer spiritual sanctuary, and feed the hungry; an attack on them is an assault on the community as a whole.
The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed a case has been registered for investigation.
“Kindly be advised that an extortion case was registered at Athlone SAPS for further investigation following an incident on June 2, 2026, in Jabavu Street, Langa. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet,” Twigg said.
Anyone with any information who can assist with the investigation can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or the Western Cape Extortion hotline number at 0800 31 4444.
IOL