The Inkatha Freedom Party calls on the police to work around the clock and arrest the newly so called “group” that demands between R200 to R300 for “rent” from taxis at Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi in order to prevent another bloodshed.
“Last year more than sixty people were killed in this hostel due to the alleged selling of beds. Police must get to the bottom of this matter to find out what the so called “rent “is all about. If the police fail to act now for sure we will experience another bloodshed because we are of the view that the taxi drivers and this group will end up fighting and even killing one another. This situation requires a tough, proactive response from law enforcement agencies in order to prevent a flare up of violence,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“If we are to succeed in winning the battle against crime, we need a police service that works to prevent crime rather than to investigate after a crime has been committed. It is unacceptable that taxi operators who are trying to make a honest living are being threatened in this way. The taxi association in the area must aslo co-operate with law enforcement agencies by providing information that will lead to the arrest of those who are taking the law into their own hands. Commuters living in the hostels are in fear of travelling in the taxis because of the threat of violence,” continued Mr Gwala.
“As the Inkatha Freedom Party, we fully support and recognise the efforts being made by the MEC of Community Safe and Liaison in the province, however we still believe that this situation in Glebelands deserves his urgent intervention. It is our duty and responsibility as the government to save more blood being shed in that area by restoring peace and stability. People of Glebelands must not feel that they are being alienated or neglected and being deprived of their right to safety and social well-being. Let’s save the lives of our people and promote peace and stability,” concluded Mr Gwala.
The Inkatha Freedom Party also makes an appeal to residents who might have information on the people behind this so called group to work with the police.
Issued:
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Community Safety & Liaison
078 290 5842