By: Mandilakhe Tshwete

Cape Town - Popular food delivery service Woolworths Dash has withdrawn from Hout Bay after extortion threats.

The company said their priority was to keep their drivers safe.

“Woolworths made the difficult decision to suspend the Dash same day delivery service in Hout Bay due to ongoing concerns around driver extortion and security. The safety of our drivers is our top priority.

“We continue to monitor the situation, and our team is liaising with local authorities about resolving the issues.

“Hout Bay shoppers are encouraged to use our scheduled delivery service in the interim, and we hope to re-introduce Dash to Hout Bay soon.”

Police in the area said they were not aware of the recent threats and the withdrawal of the service.

Station commander, Jerome Syster, said they had similar issues last year but it was resolved.

“Last year there was a problem with the people who wanted to do Checkers Sixty60 in the area, but after several meetings they operated.

“And the taxi industry said they couldn’t do that.

“They wanted Checkers to use their services.

“We had meetings with them, and it was sorted and nothing happened since then.

“No one has come forward now and I would like to encourage them to come forward or call the extortion hotline 082 387 1561.”

Hout Bay councillor, Roberto Quintas said the much publicised extortion racket in Hout Bay emanating from various groups allegedly based in Imizamo Yethu, and which seem to include the local taxi and community development forum, is wreaking havoc on the operations of some facilities in Imizamo Yethu and certain transport operators.

“In terms of retail and food delivery services, however, there were instances of this some time back that crossed my desk.

“However, I have not received reports affecting this industry nor have I been informed of any active SAPS cases opened by any retailer regarding extortion or harassment of their largely scooter drivers in recent months.

“I was approached by Woolworths management recently to query the safety of their delivery services and assure them of no recent reports of delivery extortion and informed them that there is a dedicated visible City Law Enforcement patrolling Hout Bay 24/7.”

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