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OMM Aims to Curb Extortion in the Transport Sector

WESTERN CAPE – On Tuesday, 1 October 2024, the Western Cape’s MEC of Mobility, Mr Isaac Sileku officially launched the province’s October Mobility Month (OMM) at the Bellville taxi interchange in an initiative supported by SAPS.

Now in its 19th year, OMM will serve as a month-long initiative dedicated to emphasizing the vital role of the transport sector in the province.

This year’s programme will focus on promoting safety across all modes of transport, with a particular emphasis on addressing extortion within the sector.

Key stakeholders present in support of this important initiative included the MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Ms Anroux Marais, PRASA Regional Manager, Mr Raymond Maseko and SAPS District Commissioner of the City of Cape Town Major General Vincent Beaton, who assured the community and commuters that their safety is a top priority for the SAPS.

“Commuters are scared, they are being intimidated and they are afraid to open cases. For that reason, we have a 24-hour extortion hotline. The SAPS Toll-Free number 0800 31 44 44 can be used by anyone to report extortion.” Maj Gen V Beaton said.

The event featured a walkabout to assess the morning peak period across various transport modes such as taxis and busses and to hand out pamphlets to educate and inform commuters on the impact of extortion and how they can report the crime of extortion in the Western Cape. The walkabout was followed by a train ride to Cape Town station.

October Mobility Month aims to raise awareness and encourage safer transport practices, making it a pivotal event for both the transport sector and the community at large.

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