Teachers at multiple Mthatha schools face violent extortion threats, with gangs demanding monthly protection fees amid alarming allegations of police involvement. |
| Armed police patrol outside a school in Mthatha as extortion threats force teachers into hidingseveral schools have shut down amid gang demands for monthly protection fees |
Schools across the Mthatha region in the Eastern Cape have been rocked by a wave of extortion demands, with teachers and staff reportedly being forced to pay up to R1,000 per month in "protection fees" to criminal gangs. The crisis has disrupted learning at multiple institutions, raised serious allegations of police involvement, and sparked national outrage over the safety of educators and learners.
Widespread Intimidation in Schools
At least five schools including Sinolwazi Senior Secondary, Bambanani Junior Secondary, Mokolweni Junior Secondary, and Laphumikwezi Junior Secondary have been targeted by gangs demanding regular payments from teachers. In one reported incident, a deputy principal was physically assaulted during a confrontation with alleged extortionists.
Many teachers have stopped reporting for duty out of fear, and some schools have been forced to suspend classes altogether. “They came during school hours, threatened us, and demanded cash. Some of us paid just to protect ourselves,” said a teacher who asked to remain anonymous.
BREAKING NEWS
— Rush News (@RushNews5) July 29, 2025
R1000 extortion threats shakes Eastern Cape schools
Mthatha teachers ordered to pay R1000 protection fees by a Gang and it was alleged that's the gang is working with the Police#RushNews Lebeya Nomzano Rele Pumpkin Malcolm x Mashatile Shaka Marumo Cape Town City pic.twitter.com/GNKaq2EMwf
Allegations of Police Collusion
Disturbingly, community members and local leaders have alleged that some of the gangs may be working in collaboration with corrupt police officers. This has deepened public mistrust and discouraged victims from reporting the extortion attempts. The Eastern Cape Chamber of Business also confirmed cases of extortion involving law enforcement figures, further complicating the crackdown efforts.
Traditional Leaders and Community Response
Amid growing frustration, the AbaThembu traditional leadership has stepped in. King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo addressed concerned educators and parents at a public meeting, vowing to help confront the issue and calling for accountability among those involved. The king also condemned imposters within the community posing as traditional leaders to exploit schools.
Community protests erupted in parts of Mthatha, with residents demanding stronger police action and more transparency. Placards reading “Protect Our Schools” and “End the Extortion Now” were seen during marches to local police stations.
Police and Government Action
In response to the crisis, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed special units to the area and launched a 24/7 extortion hotline (082 387 1561) for victims to report threats anonymously. The SAPS acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and promised swift action, warning that unchecked extortion could soon target clinics, businesses, and private homes.
Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, led by Makhi Feni, condemned the attacks and urged a coordinated crackdown. “Our teachers and learners must never become targets of criminal syndicates,” Feni said. “The safety of our education system is non-negotiable.”
Extortion's Broader Reach
While the focus remains on schools, reports indicate that the extortion racket extends to small businesses, clinics, and even informal traders in the Eastern Cape. Some victims claim to have paid as much as R100,000 per month in “fees” to multiple criminal groups, some of whom remain operational even while in prison.
The psychological toll has been devastating. Educators report constant anxiety, and school performance has dropped due to absenteeism and fear. Parents, too, are worried about the long-term effects on their children’s education and safety.
A Call for Justice
As investigations continue, civil society groups and education unions are calling for urgent arrests and long-term protection for school communities. With claims of police complicity still under scrutiny, the Eastern Cape's education system remains under siege, and communities are left asking: Who will protect the protectors?
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