Residents of the Eastern Cape have been shellshocked by the bloody wave of violent crime that has swept through the province over the last few weeks.
We cannot afford to lose hope that the situation cannot be turned around and give up on fighting for solutions.
It is for this reason that I have introduced a motion in the Eastern Cape Legislature calling on SAPS, together with the Department of Community Safety, to table a comprehensive plan in the Portfolio Committee which spells out measures to arrest the climate of lawlessness in our province.
The motion (download here) lists some of the horrific incidents that have taken place over the past few weeks. From Mthatha to KwaNobuhle, from Humansdorp to Hogsback and from Gqeberha to Port St Johns, violent crime is running rampant.
The listed incidents are not isolated, but rather indicative of the Eastern Cape’s descent into lawlessness and chaos.
The combined quarterly statistics for the last financial year show that there have been 4 369 cases of murder, 2 157 cases of attempted murder and 8 487 cases of sexual offences recorded in the province.
I have also called for a review of all police stations in the province, with regards to resources and manpower to be addressed as a matter of urgency. This includes, but is not limited to, repairing dysfunctional holding cells, repairing police vehicles, providing and repairing generators for police stations as well as filling all critical vacant posts.
Visible policing also needs to be stepped up in hotspot areas.
The DA is determined to fight for law and order and ensure the safety of all communities. This matter needs the urgent consideration of the House.
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