Residents of Marcus Garvey, Acacia and Crossroads were left in a panic on Monday after a post circulated on social media platforms warning them to stay off the streets and for pupils of Phandulwazi High, Vuyiseka Secondary and Phakama Secondary schools to stay at home.
It is believed that the post, which also said that no Somalian-owned shops could open, was written by gangs who are behind extortion and protection fee rackets.
In response, Philippi East police station spokesperson Captain Granville Meyer said the provincial extortion team has been conducting intensive patrol operations in the area.
“Today we visited the schools to reassure them of their safety and as they were panicking about this note. We wanted to assure them that their safety is our utmost priority and a lot of various units have been deployed in the area. We are working tirelessly to ensure that safety is maintained and several arrests have been made already in the area. We have tightened the grip on criminals and we urge the community to alert us and they could remain anonymous and we will follow up that lead. Today we have also issued more than 200 extortion pamphlets in the area about where they can inform us,” he said.
A resident who asked not to be named said the area was quiet after the note was issued and everybody feared for their safety.
She said she instructed her children not to go to school as they attend one of those mentioned.
She said seeing police officers patrolling the area on horseback brought a sense of relief but worried about safety when they left.
