A businesswoman in Umtata, Eastern Cape, has made the heartbreaking decision to close her business after months of paying a hefty R100,000 protection fee to criminals. In a letter sent anonymously, she shared the emotional and financial toll the extortion has taken on her and her family.
For the past six months, the businesswoman, whose identity remains concealed for her safety, has been living in constant fear. “We live with fear, and the saddest part is my business has not been at its best since COVID, leading to significant financial losses,” she revealed. The pressure has become unbearable, forcing her to consider closing her business, a move that would have devastating consequences for her employees, suppliers, and the local community.
“I feel bad for those who entirely relied on me as employees to run their households. A lot of lives will be affected, from the suppliers, employees, and the clientele, to those less fortunate who have been beneficiaries of our charity programs,” she wrote.
The woman also expressed her frustration at the lack of control she feels in the situation. “I have no power to call a meeting. I feel sad that criminals are in charge,” she added.
As she contemplates relocating to Gauteng to start anew, she acknowledged the long road to recovery ahead. “I am thinking of relocating and starting over in Gauteng, but that is a long-term goal. I want to recover from all of this,” she concluded.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of crime and extortion affecting businesses in the Eastern Cape, with far-reaching impacts on local economies and communities. The businesswoman’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges many entrepreneurs face in trying to operate in a climate of fear and intimidation.
File No: 2NIBNOC/19082024
