The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is deeply disturbed by the horrific details that have emerged following the August 2023 kidnapping of an elderly Mooi River farming couple, Antony and Gillian Dinnis.
This after a bail hearing, held earlier this week, saw one of the men involved reveal that the pair were murdered before being dismembered and sold for muthi in Johannesburg.
The DA is horrified by this revelation. It points to a society that has no regard for life and where the elderly and other vulnerable citizens have become easy prey for criminals.
According to reports, there were allegedly several other suspects involved in the heinous crime. It is critical that they are also brought to book and a clear message conveyed that such brutal attacks will lead to apprehension and long-term prison sentences.
KZN has become increasingly dangerous. Citizens are unable to go about their lives without fear while attacks on those living in rural areas remains rampant.
The DA has long called for the return of specialist law enforcement units, including a stronger rural policing unit. Regrettably, our appeals have fallen on deaf ears.
The DA expects provincial Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka to ensure justice, not only for the deceased but also for the Dinnis family as a whole. We also expect him to heed our calls for specialist units, in the absence of any plan from his ANC-run department.
The reality is that the people of KZN can no longer rely on a national SAPS to keep them safe. Law enforcement must be brought closer to the ground with localised policing strategies that understand the unique challenges within different communities.
A DA-run government in KZN will ensure the establishment of a provincial police service that is well-resourced, well-trained, and free of political interference.
When the people of KZN go to the polls on 29 May, they will have the opportunity to rescue our province and elect a new government – one that prioritises their safety.