| 2021/02/17 |
Media Statement PORT ELIZABETH - The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga, Nelson Mandela Bay district senior management and the Executive Mayor of NMB, Cllr Nqaba Bhanga held discussions with the Ambassador of Somali based in South Africa , Mr Mohammed Ali Mire to discuss crime related concerns affecting the Somalian businessmen in the metro, today 16 February 2021. In the last week, four Somalian businessmen were killed and one injured in alleged robberies committed either at or outside their businesses in the townships within the metro. The motive in all of these attacks was robbery. The Ambassador together with a few community leaders highlighted three major concerns namely vehicle hijackings, robberies and murders emanating from the robberies. The allegation of protection fees was also brought to the attention of the municipality and the SAPS. The Mayor, Cllr Bhanga welcomed the Ambassador of Somali and reiterated that South Africa and Somali enjoy strong and good relations between both countries. He further emphasised challenges encountered by the municipality with the Somali businesses in Durban Road. The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga in her response to their concerns added that the Somali community are not being singled out by criminals instead criminals are targeting the vulnerable. She urged the Somalians to be cautious and not to carry large amounts of cash with them. ‘We appeal to them to avoid being targeted, they should use electronic banking etc. We need to work together as a collective to find solutions that will address the safety of all businessmen while at the same time every effort must be made to combat the violence associated with this,’ stated Lt Gen Ntshinga. The meeting was very productive with all parties agreeing to work together and adhering to the municipal by-laws as well as the laws of this country. Lt Gen Ntshinga recapped that the South African Police Service’s efforts in policing South Africa is about serving all people within our borders.’ Crime will not simply disappear on its own from our communities. Working together we must create conditions that will force criminals to recede hence we will succeed in making our communities safer. We all should roll up our sleeves and reclaim our communities from the hands of criminal elements by each doing what is required of them . Criminals thrive in communities where their actions are tolerated; together let us stamp out crime wherever it resides. Let us isolate those who commit such serious and violent crimes and work with law enforcement to have them arrested, without stereotyping and causing harm to innocent people.’ As a goodwill gesture, Lt Gen Ntshinga handed the Ambassador of Somali a token of appreciation from the South African Police Services. Ends
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