Communities on the West Coast are starting to bear the brunt of protection-fee extortionists, which may have led to the death of a resident in Vredenburg.
At approximately 20:20 on Friday 30 May Gibson Makaya (41) was shot dead in his vehicle in Nackerdien Street, Witteklip and a 28-year-old passenger was wounded. According to Tania Helfrich, spokesperson for the West Coast Policing District, murder and attempted murder were being investigated.
Norman van Wyk, a community activist and ward committee member in Witteklip, said whatever comment one will give as the reason behind this brutal “assassination” will be pure speculation. “What we as community factually know is that this was not just some sort of random thing. Gibson’s death was planned, timed and then executed. We will always remain having to put our trust in the commitment and expertise of our local police. I believe that this fatal incident will receive the level of attention and commitment from police it deserves.”
Protection fee
Van Wyk added that looking at the outpouring of condolences from the community of Witteklip one can see that Gibson was well-known, well-loved and well-respected in the community as he always smiled and earned a honest living. “Many of these extended houses here in Witteklip carry in their foundation sand and stone that Gibson supplied and delivered to this community.”
Gibson was believed to be involved in the construction sector transporting cement and other building material.
A local resident who wished to remanin anonymous said before the attack Gibson had reportedly received several threatening calls from an individual demanding a monthly protection fee. “His refusal to comply may have led to this fatal act of violence. This is not an isolated incident as three weeks ago two other construction subcontractors were previously targeted under similar circumstances. Both had refused to pay the R2 000 monthly protection fee demanded by the same alleged ‘construction mafia’. They were later shot by unknown gunmen and remain in critical condition,” the resident said.
The resident added that this is a serious warning to all subcontractors. “If you receive a call from someone demanding protection money, report it to the authorities immediately. Your safety and that of your employees could be at risk. Stay vigilant and stay safe.”
Community silence
Another resident from Witteklip said he was shocked by the silence from institutions and organisations that should be making noise, making people aware of what is happening in their towns. “There should be alerts and ongoing education amongst the public concerning this phenomenon which used to be distant in other provinces, the Western Cape and now moving into the West Coast. It is alive and active.”
Placing emphasis on the silence on this matter, the resident feels that the community needs to stand up.
Many residents are asking whether this phenomenon is slowly creeping its way onto the West Coast and instilling fear among people. Another anonymous source said the potential spread of protection-fee extortionists into Vredenburg and the West Coast District poses a grave threat to the region’s stability. “The impacts on local businesses, community safety and the economy could be devastating. However, by understanding the nature of this criminal activity and implementing proactive strategies, we can collectively work to protect our communities and preserve the idyllic nature of the West Coast. An informed and united community is our strongest defence.”
* On Saturday 31 May around 08:50, the body of Sandiso Nomlala (28) was found in Tsitsiratsitsi. He had wounds all over his body. A murder case is being investigated.
