Police Investigate Extortion Threat Against Eastern Cape Teachers

(The Post News)- Eastern Cape police, through its Organised Crime Unit, are investigating a threat made by an extortionist to Dalibhunga Senior Secondary School teachers in Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape.
According to the police, teachers lodged a complaint after they discovered a threatening note on the school premises on 26 July 2025. The note demands each teacher pay a monthly R1500 ‘protection fee’.

Minewhile, the Eastern Cape Education Department spokesperson, Velani Gola, speaking with eNCA, said they are treating the incident as an isolated case for the moment, as there haven’t been any other reported incidents. However, time and information may reveal if there are more similar cases.

“For now, we are not as sure in terms of how widely this thing has spread. We will only find out once we get to hear some reports in the matter. For now, we still believe in treating it as an isolated incident,” he said.

While a case of extortion has been opened with the police, the department has tightened security at the school.

“We are getting help within our internal security arrangements in the department, just to make sure that the educators and the kids are in an environment where they feel safe and secure,” added Gola.

20 August 2025 is listed as the date the alleged extortionist will return to the school. They threaten that if the teachers don’t pay by that date, they will face harsh consequences.

Gola emphasized that they do not want to address the matter prematurely but, as a department, they will have measures in place by the time 20 August arrives.

“At no stage will we allow business to be interrupted unduly, and that is why we are making sure that by the time the 20th arrives, we would be in the clear and there would have been protection for everyone who is affected by this,” he said.

No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing.

The department urges anyone with information to contact the police. Minewhile, SAPS urges school staff, learners, and the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.