The IFP calls for a swift and clear programme of action in fighting an ongoing spate of killings in the province. We are of a view that our province is being seized by hoodlums, who are taking advantage of the fact that more attention focused on dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic’s devastation. We call upon the Department of Community Safety and Liaison to re-strategise and attend to the situation soonest.
We have noted with concern a sharp increase in incidents of violence against women, gangsterism, and political and taxi-related killings sweeping across all corners of the province. We are convinced that there is a void somewhere in policing within the province, if not in South Africa as a whole, hence we see this thuggery engulfing our province.
We call upon our men and women in blue to also change the way they handle cases of women who are reported missing. We have recieved complaints that in most cases when an African woman is reported missing, she is percieved to be involved in promiscuous acts, while similar cases involving other races are treated differently. We believe that 48 hours of any woman having disappeared is long enough to cause alarm. Statistics reveal that in South Africa, violence against women and children is five times more prevalent than in any other country in the world. This indicates a dire need for a swift change in policing and how cases are dealt with by the Police.
We urge the MEC of Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Bheki Ntuli, to capacitate our law enforcement and get rid of the corrupt police officers who continue to undermine the rule of law by working in cahoots with criminals.
The taxi-industry violence in the province leaves a lot to be desired, as passengers also become victims in these killings. The latest shooting, of a minibus transporting teachers in Wartburg, is senseless and should be condemned, as incidents of this nature put innocent lives at risk. A few days ago we saw a spike in taxi killings, which has resulted in the loss of life of at least six taxi owners.
The killing of eThekwini Ward 84 councillor and other recent political-related killings are also depressing. We call upon the community to come forward with information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
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Contact:
Mr M.B Gwala, MPL
IFP Spokesperson in Community Safety & Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal
078 290 5842