The Democratic Alliance in Ndwedwe Municipality is deeply alarmed and outraged by the rising levels of crime plaguing our communities, particularly the recent spate of violent incidents in the Noodsberg Ekho area.
On Saturday, 13 January 2025, two men, Mr. Sihle Dlamini and Mr. Nkosi Magwaza, were brutally gunned down by unknown assailants outside Ngcobo Shop at around midnight. This tragedy marks yet another senseless loss of life in our municipality.
Shockingly, just weeks prior, on 1 January 2025, Mr. Pius Chiyi was shot while celebrating New Year’s Day at his home. Thankfully, he survived the attack but continues to endure medical treatment.
These incidents are not isolated. Reports of firearm-related violence in Ndwedwe have become disturbingly frequent. Gunshots echo through our rural communities almost daily, creating an environment of fear and instability.
As the DA, we propose the following measures to address the root causes of crime in rural areas like Ndwedwe:
1. Increased SAPS Resources:
Advocate for additional police officers and vehicles to improve response times and visibility in rural areas.
2. Community Safety Forums:
Partner with community leaders to establish safety forums that encourage residents to report suspicious activities and work collaboratively with SAPS.
3.Enforcement of Liquor Regulations:
Push for stricter monitoring of liquor outlets to ensure compliance with trading regulations and reduce alcohol-related incidents.
4. Youth Engagement Programs:
Invest in initiatives that provide employment, education, and recreational opportunities to steer young people away from criminal activities.
5. Gun Control Enforcement:
Work with provincial authorities to crack down on illegal firearm ownership and trafficking in rural communities.
Crime has devastating effects on rural communities. It robs families of their loved ones, creates an atmosphere of fear, disrupts economic activities, and erodes trust in law enforcement and government. Residents of Ndwedwe should not have to live in constant fear, nor should they feel abandoned by the authorities tasked with protecting them.
We call on law enforcement agencies, particularly SAPS, to prioritize the investigation of these heinous crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The DA remains committed to creating safe and thriving communities in Ndwedwe. We will continue to hold the local government and law enforcement accountable to ensure that no family must mourn the loss of a loved one due to preventable violence.
Let us stand together to demand swift action and justice for all victims of crime in Ndwedwe.