South Africa has been plagued by a wave of extortion and organized crime that is threatening the entire economy. The story of Intercape, the biggest bus company in sub-Saharan Africa, is a stark example of the challenges faced by businesses in the country.
Nine years ago, taxi operators demanded that Intercape increase prices or pay them a “levy” for operating on the same routes. When the company’s owner, Johann Ferreira, refused, it sparked a series of attacks on Intercape buses. The situation escalated until tragedy struck in April 2022 when bus driver Bongikhaya Machana was shot dead in the company’s depot.
Ferreira, determined to take a stand against the extortion that plagues businesses in South Africa, took the matter to court. He has won five cases against the authorities, demanding action to combat organized crime. Despite facing challenges and resistance from the government, Ferreira remains committed to seeking justice for the victims of these crimes.
The crisis faced by Intercape is not unique. Industries across South Africa, including mining, construction, and transport, have reported similar incidents of extortion and violence. Criminal gangs often demand a cut of contracts or protection money, resorting to violence when their demands are not met.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the severity of the situation and promised to set up specialized police units to tackle these criminal syndicates. The government’s response comes amid growing public frustration over rising crime rates and the failure to address the problem effectively.
In a landmark court case, Intercape successfully obtained a court order requiring the police to devise an action plan to protect its buses. Despite initial resistance and delays from the authorities, the court upheld the order, emphasizing the government’s constitutional obligation to investigate organized crime.
The battle against organized crime in South Africa is far from over. Businesses like Intercape continue to face threats and attacks from criminal syndicates, posing a significant challenge to the country’s economy. However, with determined individuals like Johann Ferreira leading the charge, there is hope that meaningful change can be achieved to combat this pervasive issue and protect the livelihoods of South Africa’s citizens. The recent ruling against the South African police department has put the head of the police on notice that they must address the issue of attacks on businesses in the country. Intercape, a transportation company, has been a victim of these attacks, costing them R75mn in lost income, damages, and legal costs. The CEO of Intercape, Ferreira, is hopeful that the new government will finally take action to address this situation that threatens every industry in the country.
Ferreira emphasized the importance of standing up and fighting against these attacks, stating that no business should be run out of business because the police are too weak to do their job. He believes that it is the responsibility of every business to fight against crime and corruption in order to protect their livelihoods.
The video accompanying the article highlights the impact of corruption and crime on businesses in South Africa, particularly focusing on the case of Eskom and how it led to power outages in the country. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of not addressing crime and corruption within the government and law enforcement agencies.
As businesses continue to face challenges from attacks and criminal activities, it is crucial for the government and law enforcement agencies to take action to protect businesses and ensure a safe and secure environment for all industries to thrive. The ruling against the police department serves as a wake-up call for authorities to address these issues and work towards creating a safer and more conducive environment for businesses to operate in. It is time for the government to prioritize the safety and security of businesses in order to promote economic growth and prosperity in the country.
