South Africa: Gangs’ extortion war shuts down schools and businesses

A letter apparently circulated to community leaders in Philippi East has caused immense fear in the Cape Town township.

Learners have stayed away from schools and businesses have temporarily closed. 

According to community leader Xolile Matshaya from the Philippi neighbourhood of Marcus Garvey, a gangster handed him a letter with the following text:

Dear Community

There are new tax collectors from Marcus Garvey. Do not give these lower Crossroads boys money ever again, or else we will kill…