Business closes, plans to fight 'protection mafia'

Extortion rackets have held businesses in Cape Town’s CBD to ransom for years. One establishment, after years of refusing to pay up, has now opted to close its doors and fight against the so-called protection mafia. But it's easier said than done as the roots of this extortion scheme runs deep into the city's underworld. #Newzroom405's Michelle Craig reports from the city's party scene, Long Street, to unravel this story.
Tune into Newzroom Afrika DStv channel 405 for more.

[@YellowRandolf]

As Beerhouse founder I'm shocked to see what (quality vs quantity of words) councilor Ian McMahon had to say. Not even wanting to name names is piss-poor and judging the size of the problem by the amount of talk is also completely ignoring the actual problem!

[@bradrockl8330]

Saw your interview on carte blance you made it clear what's going on that's why I am perplexed by Ward Councillor Ian because what the hell!!!

[@rickmorty7284]

Jesus Christ it was infuriating to listen to! How dangerous are these guys????

[@poeticpixel844]

This guy is walking on egg-shells. Kak bang. Sorry @YellowRandolf for what happened to you and this dream of yours.

[@ConradWalsh]

Randolf - you're bloody legend shining a light on these (expletives withheld). The cops and the councillors have all got their noses in the trough mate, so you've done the best thing by selling up. This pussy was doing everything he could to avoid the issue which tells all. You're a good bloke and you deserve and will find a rewarding future outside of that cess-pit. South Africa will have totally collapsed in ten years from now - maximum. Life's too short for that crap. All the best for your future. Viel Glück !!

[@duncannapier318]

JP Smith interview with Michelle Craig earlier was focused and to the point. This guy is all over the place. 👍🇿🇦

[@owenkeyninnaweseb6261]

he is in Mark lifmans pocket this one😂😂😂

[@ThattRoger]

This guys is campaigning and marketing the city. I hope the businesses in the CBD watch this, your counselor thinks your fears and financial distress are imagined. You are on your own. He's saying just pay your exorbitant municipal rates and keep quiet.

[@hbspxjihuhcd]

This guy can’t even mention the mafias names. He’s also scared of them. Lol

[@ThattRoger]

And he knows them well. Three who City of Cape Town have given tenders to have active court cases. Makes one wonder...

[@hbspxjihuhcd]

@@ThattRoger he can’t say anything. It’s either he knows they’ll kill him or he’s part of these syndicates.

[@owenkeyninnaweseb6261]

they're chommies probably went to Mark lifmans house after this interview 😂😂😂

[@hbspxjihuhcd]

@@owenkeyninnaweseb6261 definitely 😂

[@phelelanimkhize4522]

Bro is defending the gangsters with his life on Live TV and blaming COVID, Homeless people and a dirty CBD - you cant make this up 😂😂😂

[@owenkeyninnaweseb6261]

bruh wtf😂😂😂

[@NormEngel-ge2it]

@@owenkeyninnaweseb6261 That is what this useless councillor did. If you know, you know.

[@madeitthroughentertainment1658]

That time yellow dude said it clear that he closed because of extortion 😂😂

[@YellowRandolf]

​​@@madeitthroughentertainment1658yellow dude here. I'm similarly shocked about this piss-poor appearance of a politician. One could think he's applying for an ANC membership?

[@madeitthroughentertainment1658]

@@YellowRandolf 😂😂😂I'm glad people can see through him. Be safe Randolf and thank you for standing up for the truth.

[@thulanigawie9077]

So polite when they talk about these guys. Taxi owners on the other hand, "thugs"

[@tsepisomaema3893]

"Extortion is an Unknown" if this is happening in the CBD. Imagine in Khayelitsha, Nyanga etc

[@5801160052086]

I'd not semigrate to this gangsta paradise even if you paid me

[@roydenscholtz7534]

This is happening all over cape town, just try opening a club anywhere !!

[@sirjamesjemo3390]

The owner of the beer house told the news that extortion is the reason why he flead to Germany, and subsequently closing the business, but Mr Ian says that is not the reason,and then fails to give a clear reason. Someone should investigate,Mr Ian cause it sounds like he doesnt wanna talk about the extortion. Instead he says that it is dying down at the moment when businesses are shutting down because of the harassment from these gansters

[@judycatin3338]

When I was in CT few years ago.. The owner of the back packer was also closes up bcoz of the Nigerians taking over and demanding protection fees

[@nyoni_tour6677]

I think hells angels are playing a role on this one Nigerian are focusing only on drugs

[@sirjamesjemo3390]

I knew someone will come up with this bs again. Nigerians don't attack businesses and ask for protection fees,that's a lie. Yes they sell drugs(allegedly),but you just had to spew that lie

[@decommonifyable]

We went from JP inspiring confidence to this guy shattering it real quick.

[@josedasilva9658]

This guy waffling about everything except what the issues are.

[@keithsolomons3876]

This Guy doesn’t have a backbone- DA should get rid of him

[@zeetheentertainer_sa1249]

Tjo this is deep and scary, to even sense that the city ward councilor can't even mention the names of these mafia's, how do they think the business owners will come out to report these mafia's if the very people who supposed to protect them hide their tales.

[@voiceofthepeople-94]

Stop beating around the bush for Gods sake!!! This ward councilor is clearly frightened to speak up on camera he cant even mention the names Mark Liftman and Nafiz Modack if he has no balls for this job he should just once resign... by not tackling these issues head on and instead tiptoeing around it will Not solve jack sh...

[@mervynpeters]

what a loser this politician 😢😢😢😢

[@Gawieseplaas]

This counselor is useless. Skirting around issued. Visibly BS'ing

[@nhlakaniphomathunjwa7610]

Probably on their payroll

[@loyiso3335]

This guy is talking crap!! He's defending gangs and criminals.

[@TshepoMavimbela]

He must be a victim of extortion too cause what the heck?😂

[@RevoniaPhemeloTumisi]

Thank you Michelle for this coverage

[@kevinkatzke5350]

What a useless councillor come on Cape Town get rid of him you can do 10000 times better

[@Angel-zn4qj]

They are bullies. All businesses must stand together

[@ngoniecra]

He's only on TV coz he's got no choice but he fears for his life as well, shame this thing is very serious.

[@williecira5676]

..call the ghost busters

[@shagonplaysgames4763]

This place is fine…then the ambulance goes by to pick up someone stabbed down the road.

[@The66680]

This guy is Definitely in the books of the racketeers and gangsters

[@FlorenceSeptember]

Ian, you not answering the question!¡! Is there a Mafia involve??? I think you are making excuses.

[@FlorenceSeptember]

You are not explaining what you are doing about this protection Mafia

[@giovanniwalters1034]

This ward counciller is clearly shaking

[@healthtraveljunkie]

He should've simply stated the fact that the National ANC government controls the police service. Thus the local DA can't do much about the extortion, even if they wanted to.

[@nicholasgigaba2779]

This same DA must stop bragging about Cape town wich is a mess and being controlled by gangsterism😢

[@healthtraveljunkie]

@@nicholasgigaba2779 Only because of the national ANC police.

[@peacefulrakoma4068]

This is just scapegoating. Gangsterism is a well-known challenge in CPT, so it is no surprise it is now making it into the CBD. Eventually, it will get to the leafy suburbs, and only then will the noise be enough to do something about it.

[@6lackjesus719]

​@@peacefulrakoma4068 It's already happening in the leafy suburbs because that's where the kingpins live. A few assassinations happened in Constantia.

[@wabz3162]

So ANC is the reason for the extortion 😂😂😂???

[@zachventer476]

My experience on Long Street is that it is dominated by individuals selling illegal drugs, and the local government is doing nothing about it.

[@shauntheron9653]

DA failed Cape Town CBD. This guy being interviewed (who's name I already forgot) is depressingly vague. 😞

[@powlly5738]

Footsie tootsie around the problem. Mean time people are losing jobs, people die

[@Mastersinbaking]

Don’t worry about him,he’s got no authority,he’s just a ward counselor from one of the wards.He will eventually leave.😮

[@darrellw.matodes6898]

This guy is talking crap...being paid to protect the racket. Get rid of him.

[@powlly5738]

Are the police and government the only people who do not know of this problem. Who is going to solve this problem Must all businesses now shut down? Why do we have government and the police

[@yusriabrahams41]

this guy is useless this reporter knows what she talking about

[@RevoniaPhemeloTumisi]

Anchor Michelle craig

[@fiddlestix6468]

This guy is useless, fire him.

[@AutieTortie]

He is a ward councillor. Can't be fired. Needs to be voted out.

[@kingmufasa8929]

That guy is defending the criminals

[@mandlamaso2274]

This guy is talking rubbish, extortion is growing everyday in Cape town and they are more ruthless than ever. I do not know what cape town he is leaving in.

[@NoluJezile]

We're in GNU government these extortion will come to an end this new government is the government of people

[@Lyndon-q4d]

Ridiculous attempt to sidestep responsibly in creating safe spaces for business to operate. Typical political rhetoric and failed service

[@diatilenthoba8262]

This was a waste of interview.

[@mzimhlemosiwe5047]

City of Cape Town have known about this long ago! Even Shimmy Beach closed down cause of these extortion fees and is now cabo, even Cubana which is basically gangster owned..

[@brianpetersen-f5v]

this ward councilor is trying to gaslight us extortion is alive and kicking and the city can do nothing

[@Thatsong-fr9nq]

Talk died down? So what must they do? Expose and die?

[@theresasmuts9896]

Shame 🇿🇦 My children do NOT frequent Longstreet😶 Ian? I have NEVER heard a PEEP about that poor young Pillay who was murdered , when being awarded the license to open up a quaint ' Dutch Style' coffe house in Waterfront...😞 And until you can allow our children to enjoy themselves SAFELY smoking a doobie, without being subjected to the VICIOUSNESS of predatory drug dealers , you are going to have to rely on tourists .

[@theresasmuts9896]

Ons kan mie Ons wou nie Ons sal nie

[@nomfundogwavu5430]

"We are seeing very large men standing outside " how can someone like this councillor be not afraid

[@mervynpeters]

chap talking rubbish!!

[@BillabongBon]

This ward councilor is a joke. What kind of public servant is he if he cant face facts.

[@linzyeksteen2037]

Why give the allocation of the ex bar owner🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@kingmufasa8929]

He is overseas

[@nyoni_tour6677]

Don’t worry in Germany it’s the Arabs you pay protection fees too he’s got nothing to do with them

[@linzyeksteen2037]

@@kingmufasa8929does not stop 🛑 pple to track him down. I just felt.. she could’ve said he moved abroad instead of saying a specific country. This is organized crime and have overbroad connections too. Just my thoughts.

[@paballobutelezi5532]

@@linzyeksteen2037 I also share the same sentiment why tell where he is currently, I watched when this broke on carte blanche and they never told where he is...just for safety reasons, my opinion

[@Trent_Onbits]

This guy is so out of touch with what is going on in the city

[@garethpassmore2304]

What is this guy on?

[@neobafana6043]

Gayton is the only politician with a backbone who can fix this

[@techmansa]

this guy is scared for his life, they got something on him or they have threatend his family, you need someone with no family ties to handle this in a very critical manner.

[@ntsikelelocitabatwa5647]

It is not just the business district businesses that are under attack, communities in the townships are also under attack, where gangs have war machines and demolishing the townships

[@NormEngel-ge2it]

We know. You voted for the idiots like this. He says, you go got a Pedros and Puma in Longstreet. Be happy, and enjoy the Pedros and Puma Store, and Extortion.

[@HazelPhilander-d6w]

He scared. God helps us, s. Africa we. Must pray and fight for our country 😂😂❤

[@solomzisiko]

Thanks

[@AutieTortie]

Wtf is wrong with the ward councillor?! He clearly has no idea what is going on. Not answering the questions or talking about all kinds of other things. Wtf. Go and do your homework before coming for an interview.

[@TreasureMacFee-ti2jf]

8:11 😅 like the part where he says "i wouldn't go that far" Facts hurt

[@Mastersinbaking]

He’s getting paid😮

[@ThattRoger]

The son of one of the extortionists owns a club right there, on the very same road. It is alledged that he infact "Ayepyep'd" the business with his Naija private security goons.

[@peacefulrakoma4068]

This one makes me sad since the establishment's founder was murdered shortly after.

[@khayalethu5734]

HIS SCARED

[@AutieTortie]

"he's" which is short for "he is", not "his".

[@markymark8]

The notion is definitely NOT that the CBD is a great place. It's become an absolute shithole and a serious embarrassment in a city that relies on tourism as a major source of income.

[@Nite85]

Long street used to be a place to go. you could walk the length of it all night... amazing selection of clubs and music. Obviously you had to watch your back but nothing like today. I live up the road and yet haven't set foot in that street in years. Kloof street is next !

[@chapter9363]

I wonder if this guy went to school 😅the lady said let talk about extortion boom he talks about homeless people 😅😅😅

[@zanelepemvani8159]

Denying everything

[@zeetheentertainer_sa1249]

"Large men standing outside" 😅😅😅

[@PaulPds]

The police are complicit thats why nobody talks

[@petrosdlamini1761]

😂😂 really can he fight it i doubt.

[@richardjansenvanrensburg1068]

This guy is definitely taking money from the extortionists. He is literally doing anything to avoid the talk of extortion.

[@joshuamichau5122]

These bureaucrats dont care about Town.

[@StanleyLaMeyer]

How on earth are you going to fight extortion when you have this one in the middle

[@happies_2986]

This guy reminds me of Squealer from George Orwell's Animal Farm. Saying a bunch of nothing. 😂

[@rachelmeliza688]

I wish our OPERATION DUDULA can take over this business and provide employment for its members,

[@abdallasa7077]

Captured councillor

[@iviwemhluzi5615]

He’s basically gaslighting the situation 👀

[@mcebisimbusi7777]

I wanted to start a business but i was scared to die

[@loginroberts6673]

Extortion & Drugs are Not to Blame but Those who Pay it and Sell it…So Start a Defending Forum and Stop Destroying Young Lives who want to Enjoy a Happy Night out

[@roydenscholtz7534]

This guy is probably trying his best to give his view , but one can see how careful he is, because he is at risk and his family

[@moseskruger691]

He is talking about Rawsen properties they also a bunch of crooks

[@ricardotimmie3675]

He Is Definitely one of those people

[@rotas_9715]

This bra is definitely on the payroll

[@shathaniketogetswe4271]

😂😂😂😂 this guy is either a benefactor or a coward of note....

[@tokolosh6467]

Don't think all of Ian's doves were flying around the issue of extortion

[@AlbertCloete]

Why is he down playing this? These criminal syndicates NEED TO GO! unacceptable.

[@Alpha-pq4cv]

My faith in ANC is revived. Zero competency for the role but gravy training it.

[@boombap2023]

Sorry but this guy needs to be looked into.

[@bradrockl8330]

This one is owned talking shit!!here about extortion is not the real issue 😂😂😂😂 man F this dude arrest him please arrest him!!! Why he talking about the food price 😅😅😅 the owner of beerhouse literally came on carte blance !!!! And spoke about the extortion wtf is this councillor talking about!!

[@willemdelange5042]

He is dodging the questions

[@gago-fj7hu]

What is he talking about?? He knows what is going on

[@lesleymtho]

Cant believe i'm here again... just to say "Useless personal for the interview" "Mr Counsellor"

[@se7ensavage707]

Haha what a coward.

[@somiladodo943]

This boy is foolish.

[@LEVIS_FREDDY_MALALA]

Festive lights for Christmas 😂😂😂😂

[@brandontsoeu5523]

If the owners are saying, they're closing mainly because of extortion. Why is he bringing in other factors? Why change their story? Thats not an essay to edit mate 😳😳😳

[@Thequietdog-m9m]

Another fool with a title

[@willemdelange5042]

What nonsense is this guy talking about 😂

[@KhanyisoFunani]

Are they government protected?(,the so called underworld)

[@Chronic_Equation]

No one's gonna come to SA if the crime stays at such a high , you heard the guy they'll steal you window wiper😂

[@gregvdm9434]

Longstreet belongs to the Gangs

[@willemdelange5042]

He looks very frightened.....like a cat on hot bricks