The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has promised that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will act swiftly against the water tanker mafia after it allegedly threatened the Gift of the Givers from providing humanitarian water services to the victims of the Eastern Cape floods in Mthatha.
This was after, over the weekend, the OR Tambo district municipality reported that the local water tanker mafia allegedly wanted to force out the humanitarian organisation and take over the provision of emergency water for profit.
Upon learning that, Mchunu said 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 off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people.
“Law enforcement will act decisively. The SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area, and hold those responsible 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,” Mchunu said.
