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Local – Police Minister Senzo Mchunu warned that the police will not tolerate any form of intimidation or obstruction against humanitarian workers following threats directed at Gift of the Givers during their aid efforts in flood-ravaged Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
Minister Mchunu, who visited Mthatha over the weekend, condemned the threats in the strongest terms.
“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,” he said. “Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need.”
It is alleged that members of a so-called “water mafia”, reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, harassed Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to communities affected by the recent floods.
Mchunu stressed that such attacks go beyond individual organisations, warning that they threaten the moral fabric of society and undermine collective efforts to provide relief during national emergencies.
“Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively.”
He confirmed that the SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area and that those responsible will be held fully accountable under the law.
Looting of Flood Victims’ Homes
The Minister also addressed reports of looting at the homes of flood victims, ensuring that police have been deployed to safeguard the property of the deceased.
“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 commit acts of theft from these homes,” he said.
Given the scale of the disaster, residents have been urged to report anyone who has gone missing in flood-affected areas to law enforcement.
