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Weekend of Gang Violence, Looting, ATM Bombings and Vandalism

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is extremely concerned by the inability of the Police to prevent and stop violent attacks in Ngqushwa this weekend, including destruction of several Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and the looting of shops by a heavily armed gang. We call for the swift apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

This brazen incident resulted in several buildings being vandalised. Reports suggest that the criminals, numbering in the dozens, travelled in approximately thirty vehicles from Mthatha to execute this organised assault.

Despite responding to the scene, South African Police Service (SAPS) members were unable to stop the attack, as the officers were significantly outnumbered and outgunned.

This unfortunate event highlights the dire state of our police service, plagued by shortages of personnel, vehicles, and essential crime-fighting technology. When a serious incident of organized gang violence and criminality occurs, SAPS is simply not up to the task to address it, leaving citizens and critical infrastructure vulnerable.

I have written to the MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, urging him to prioritise SAPS resourcing in Ngqushwa and other small towns. This includes deploying adequate police personnel and equipping them with advanced crime-fighting technologies such as ShotSpotter, BodyCams, and drones.

The destruction of new business premises and a fuel station along the N2 in Ngqushwa is devastating to the local economy. These establishments were a beacon of hope, creating much-needed jobs in a region grappling with staggering unemployment rates—the highest in the country.

Ultimately, the residents of Ngqushwa will bear the brunt of this tragedy, as its effects on the local economy compromise investment.

Without investment, there will be no job opportunities. The growing risk for the community is that it will remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and fear, vulnerable to further criminal attacks.

The DA calls for better resources for our police services.

The safety and security of our residents must be prioritised, and justice must prevail to restore hope and confidence in our communities.

Regards

Jane Cowley MPL
Frontier Constituency Leader

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