The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, strongly condemns the threats and intimidation directed at humanitarian organisation the Gift of the Givers while they were delivering life-saving assistance to flood-affected communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
It is alleged that members of a so-called “water mafia,” reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods.
Mchunu was in Mthatha this past weekend to engage with and thank members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their efforts during the floods which have, to date, tragically claimed 90 lives and displaced hundreds more.
The Minister also addressed some of the affected families.
Mchunu said that the police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people.
“Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need. Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer from disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people,” said Mchunu.
He further said that law enforcement will act decisively and that the SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area. Mchunu said that those responsible will be held fully accountable under the law.
“We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased,” said Mchunu.
Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said while their teams were busy with water distribution, they received a threat from one of the service providers from the municipality.
“There are people taking advantage of the situation. There were concerns that Gift of the Givers is giving water free of charge,” said Sablay.
“We are very grateful to the OR Tambo District Municipality, to the South African Police Services, to the King Sabata Dalindyebi Local Municipality (KSD) and to the community who said they will not allow this.”
Sablay said that the community told their teams not to leave as they would deal with whoever has made these threats.
“It is very sad that during these times of disasters, greed takes over from people that are supposed to render a service to the people and the water mafia. But this shows that the community has had enough of them,” said Sablay.
