# Extortion and criminal activity in South Africa > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-and-criminal-activity-in-south-africa > Updated: 2026-09-22T14:12:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Extortion activities in South Africa have expanded across different sectors, targeting both small businesses and individual motorists. Criminal networks have been targeting foreign-owned “spaza” shops, specifically those operated by Ethiopian and Somali nationals. These gangs often demand monthly “protection fees” through written letters, using threats of robbery, harassment, or lethal violence to ensure compliance. In the Stellenbosch region, a group involving a police officer was accused of extorting approximately 50 convenience stores. Parallel to the targeting of businesses, criminals are also employing extortion tactics against motorists, e-hailing drivers, and transport operators. This involves the use of fake “impoundments” to seize vehicles, after which owners are forced to pay money to recover their property. While these incidents have been noted heavily in Cape Town, the trend is reported across the country, affecting vulnerable groups such as scholar transport drivers. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: South African motorists targeted by vehicle hijacking and extortion South African motorists and transport operators face rising risks from vehicle hijacking and extortion schemes involving fake impoundments, particularly in Cape Town. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-african-motorists-targeted-by-vehicle-hijacking-and-extortion ### 2026-09-14: South Africa extortion gangs target foreign-owned shops Extortion gangs in South Africa are increasingly targeting foreign-owned spaza shops, demanding monthly protection fees through threats of robbery and violence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-extortion-gangs-target-foreign-owned-shops --- Cite as: Extortion and criminal activity in South Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-and-criminal-activity-in-south-africa