Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the 17 victims of the horrific mass murder that took place in two incidents on Friday in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape. This unimaginable tragedy has left an indelible mark on their communities, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
We trust that urgent and decisive action will be taken by the South African Police Service (SAPS), in close cooperation with Crime Intelligence, to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are swiftly brought to justice. The DA calls on the South African law enforcement agencies to establish a multidisciplinary team to effectively deal with this investigation, with close cooperation between the SAPS, the Hawks, and the NPA, to ensure that these criminals are tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted with vigour. Our communities deserve nothing less than a thorough investigation and full accountability for the perpetrators of this atrocity.
Although the SAPS is still investigating the matter in order to uncover the motive behind these shootings, it appears that this horrific event is linked to some form of retaliation.
This terrible tragedy is symptomatic of the rising tide of intimidation, extortion, and violence against women and children in South Africa. In the past three months alone, 6 198 South Africans lost their lives to violent crime, of which 966 were women, and 314 children – each representing a family that has lost a loved one and a community left to mourn. These alarming statistics, and horrific events like Friday’s, serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for effective intervention and preventive measures to combat this escalating crisis. This ongoing rise in serious violence stresses the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of these crimes and ensure the safety of our most vulnerable citizens.
The Democratic Alliance will closely monitor the investigation into this horrific crime to ensure that no stone is left unturned. We will ensure that it is undertaken both transparently and swiftly, as it is our collective responsibility to ensure that such violence is met with a resolute response, reinforcing our nation’s commitment to protecting all South Africans and restoring faith in our justice system.
Regards
Ian Cameron MP
DA Spokesperson on Police
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