Minister Ntshavheni Disassociates State Security Agency’s Local Branch from Extortion Rings Amid Economic Concerns

In a strong defensive stance, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has addressed the rising concerns of extortion within South Africa, firmly dismissing any connections with the domestic branch of the State Security Agency (SSA). The clarification came as a response to Parliamentary questions relating to the security and peace of the nation. Rise Mzansi MP, Makashule Gana, raised a pressing query, questioning whether the evident spike in extortion rackets reflects on the successes or failures of the SSA's domestic operations.

Ntshavheni unequivocally rejected any insinuations that link the functioning of the SSA to the proliferation of extortion activities. Instead, she steered the conversation toward the socioeconomic roots of crime, attributing extortion to individuals who, crippled by economic disadvantage, turn to illicit means for personal gain. The Minister underscored the urgency of cultivating a sturdy economy, which in turn would create job opportunities and deter the youth from descending into the depths of criminality.

During this session, the heated topic of kidnappings was also ignited by DA MP Dianne Kohler, who inquired whether the unsettling frequency of over 50 kidnappings per day is potentially a fundraising mechanism for terrorist pursuits. Ntshavheni responded judiciously, noting that while kidnapping for ransom is indeed a tactic employed by terrorists worldwide, no definitive evidence confirms its use for terrorist funding within South Africa. However, she maintained that criminal probes into these kidnappings, including any potential links to terrorism financing, have been given priority in light of the country's recent greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force.

The minister was forthright about the government's diligence in counter-terrorism initiatives, stating that the SSA is intensifying its capacity to tackle terrorism financing through specialized training, and continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to uphold national security.

Ntshavheni's address realigns the focus from blame-shifting onto SSA's domestic wing to recognizing the greater societal call for economic reforms and the vital role of SSA in national security amid broader challenges of crime and terrorism.