The Municipality condemns the rape of a young woman, and the stabbing of another woman, on a local university campus last night.
My prayers and thoughts are with both of these young women, as they recover from this horrific incident.
It is now surely time for the National Police Ministry to start taking crime in our City seriously.
Local SAPS units have been fighting a valiant battle, but often held back by huge staffing shortages and resource limitations.
As such, I wrote to Police Minister, Mr Fikile Mbalula, on 14 August 2017 (see attached) requesting his urgent intervention.
Some six weeks have passed since receipt was acknowledged, yet no response in any form has been forthcoming.
The Municipality is doing everything we can, having launched a metro police service of just over 100 officers, opened two Satellite Stations, launched a Ghost Squad and working to have shot spotter installed in gun violence hotspots.
But only SAPS can open case dockets for investigation and press criminal charges against suspects.
Safety & Security MMC, Cllr John Best, will this week meet with local SAPS leadership, student leaders and the university to map the way forward.
The Police Minister is referred again to my 14 August Correspondence and urged to take ownership of his constitutional duty to protect our residents.
While this incident justifiably evokes anger, I would ask that all those who wish to respond and express themselves please do so in a constructive, safe manner.
No matter what it takes – Nelson Mandela
Bay will be a safe city.
We will not stop until this is so.