Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbite by Andrew Whitfield MP. Also see video and photos here, here, here and here.
The DA has put the Minster of Police on terms as the South African government has forsaken the people of the Northern Areas of Nelson Mandela Bay, leaving them to fend for themselves against gangsters and criminals.
Today, 25 April 2024, we were joined by communities of the Northern Areas for a march through the streets of Helenvale. Enough is enough – we can no longer stand idly by and watch criminals and gangsters kill our people, especially our children.
We marched to the Gelvandale Police Station not only in solidarity with 3-year-old Emilio Hutchinson, his grandmother, and a family friend who were brutally shot and executed in their home in Helenvale – but with all families that have lost loved ones, particularly children.
We handed over a memorandum putting Minister of Police, Gen. Bheki Cele, on terms, demanding that he provide feedback within 14 days.
Last week, I wrote to the minister requesting immediate intervention, but no reply has been forthcoming. DA Leader John Steenhuisen also wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa after the tragic news of young Emilio’s killing, but there has been no response.
If Minister Cele does not respond within the allotted 14 days, the DA will be announcing further steps to save our residents from the violence that is trapping them in their own homes.
Our memorandum makes the following demands:
- Double the number of members allocated to the Anti-Gang Unit.
- Assign the best detectives from around the country to support the SAPS in NMB.
- Deploy the SAPS National Intervention Unit /Special Task Force in the Northern Areas.
- Strengthen crime intelligence.
- Increase police visibility.
- Implement crime fighting technology such as drones, CCTV cameras, and ShotSpotter technology without delay.
The DA also believes that law enforcement interventions must be coupled with opportunities for residents in the Northern Areas if we are to truly defeat gangsterism and crime. We will continue fighting for opportunities that will bring skills development and jobs to our communities.
We will continue to fight for #JusticeForEmilio and the people of the Northern Areas. We have a proud record of fighting for safety in Nelson Mandela Bay, and we won’t give up on the people of the city.
After the 29 May National and Provincial Elections, a DA government will rescue South Africans from the violent crime that is destroying their lives.