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ActionSA is increasingly angered by the scourge of crime that continues to ravage Nelson Mandela Bay, and we are deeply concerned about the lack of effective action taken to address this deepening crisis. Despite the launch of "Operation Shanela" by Police Minister, Bheki Cele, the safety and security of Nelson Mandela Bay residents has shown no signs of improvement. Instead, recent horrific incidents have demonstrated a clear worsening of the situation. 

Specifically, in West End, Nelson Mandela Bay, the brutal murder of an 89-year-old woman named Sophie Erasmus unfolded within her own home, with her hands tied behind her back and a blunt object used to inflict severe head and facial injuries. Meanwhile, the town of Humansdorp has transformed into a battleground for rival gangs, leading to the tragic deaths of at least seven individuals in the past month. These victims were tied up and executed, underscoring the escalating tensions and violence in the area. These disturbing incidents emphasize the urgent need for proactive law enforcement intervention to address the deteriorating state of crime in these regions.

We firmly believe that our earlier stance, which characterised Cele's recent visit as another photo opportunity and a squandering of resources without providing tangible solutions or even a minimum sense of hope for the residents, was justified and has been proven to be true. This highlights the incompetence and superficial assurances that Minister Cele offers to South Africans.

On Monday morning, Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and her VIP Protection Unit became victims of a brazen robbery while traveling on the N3 between Vosloorus and Heidelberg. This incident not only highlights the pervasive criminality in our country, but it also raises serious questions about the competence and lack of control of the authorities in addressing the issue of crime in South Africa. Minister Bheki Cele and the SAPS inability to combat crime has become increasingly evident, and his continued tenure in his position is a clear sign of the ANC government’s careless disdain for the safety and well-being of South Africans

On the 26th of April 2023 (almost 7 months ago) ActionSA, led by President Herman Mashaba and the Provincial Leadership, marched to the Office of the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, to deliver a memorandum highlighting the dire state of the province and policing. Unfortunately, neither the Premier nor the designated member of the Provincial Executive, MEC Williams, bothered to receive the memorandum. This lack of courtesy is not surprising, given the Premier's failure to even respond to the memorandum of demands within the mandatory 14 days from the day of receipt.

ActionSA believes that this underscores the Premier's disregard for established procedures and accountability. A recent report by the Public Protector on the provision of essential services and infrastructure in the Eastern Cape highlights the alarming challenges faced by certain police stations. These challenges encompass infrastructure issues, resource shortages, and staffing problems, all of which severely impede the efficient delivery of police services. The fact that the Eastern Cape now leads in various crime indicator categories is a distressing reflection of the state of policing in the province. The issue of crime demands immediate attention.

ActionSA implores Premier Oscar Mabuyane to honour his commitment to respond to our memorandum, especially in addressing the crime crisis. The safety and well-being of its citizens should be the top priority. We demand transparency, accountability, and effective action from the government to address the ongoing crime crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay and the broader province.
 

Issued by  ActionSA Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson, Athol Trollip