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Latest tragedy again highlights need for urgent interventions to combat violent crime and gender-based violence

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Dear Editor

The senseless murder of a relative of Nelson Mandela and granddaughter-in-law of AbaThembu regent Jongintaba Mtirara, Nkosikazi Nogcinile Thenjiwe Mtitara, and the brutal rape, assault and robbery of six learners within the space of 24 hours, has once again highlighted the need for urgent interventions to combat violent crime and gender-based violence.

Mtitara was shot dead in her royal home at Mqhekezweni Great Place, Bhityi administrative area, outside Mthatha on Tuesday night, while the six grade 12 schoolgirls from Jongintaba High School were allegedly raped at gunpoint by two men at their private boarding lodges in neighbouring Konkqeni village.

Violent crime and gender-based violence are devastating the Eastern Cape, leaving residents of our communities in a state of constant fear. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for urgent, decisive action. Our province can no longer afford to ignore these escalating threats to our safety.

The scourge of crime in our province can no longer be tolerated. No more empty promises and lip service, but real, actionable interventions.

These incidents underscore the necessity of a robust, well-resourced Department of Community Safety. The provincial government has only allocated R144.84 million to this crucial department, just 0.15% of the total budget. In contrast, the Western Cape has allocated R763.4 million, demonstrating its commitment to keeping communities safe.

The DA calls on Finance MEC, Mlungisi Mvoko, to correct this failure during the upcoming budget adjustment process and allocate additional funding to the Department of Community Safety to augment interventions in the province.

To ensure community safety, we need urgent investment in advanced surveillance and reconnaissance technologies, such as those deployed in the Western Cape. These technologies can dramatically enhance crime prevention and offender apprehension capabilities, especially in our province’s more rural areas, where there are vast spaces and little access.

The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to serving justice and prioritising the safety of Eastern Cape residents. We will not rest until accountability and action replace inaction. We will continue to fight for the safety and protection our communities deserve.

Regards

Yusuf Cassim MPL
DA EC Shadow MEC for Community Safety

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Port Elizabethan

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