Humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, which has been pivotal in assisting those affected by the floods in the Eastern Cape, are being intimidated by ‘water mafia’. 

Speaking to IOL, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers, said members of the ‘water mafia’ have been trying to intimidate its drivers while delivering life-saving water to the people of Mthatha who have been severely affected by the recent floods. 

“Given the hardships and difficulties of the people and the fact that 90 people have passed on, the behaviour of the water mafia is totally disgusting. We appreciate the fact that the SAPS acted immediately by sending out a convoy (vehicle in front and behind) our water tankers. The situation has completely calmed down. However, we are calling on the community of Mthatha to help us locate a black [Toyota] Fortuner. It is the Fortuner from which the threat was made; this person needs to be arrested,” Dr Sooliman said. 

He also issued a stern warning for the ‘water mafia’. 

“This is a message to all water mafia: we will take you on wherever you are. Gift of the Givers is not afraid of anyone. We have the support of the government, SAPS, SANDF, and above all, we have the support of the communities and the municipalities. When it comes to assisting people in dire need, as is the case in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, this kind of heinous behaviour has to stop. Profiteering from the hardships of people has to stop. We hope we are provided support in all areas where the water mafia is capitalising,” he said. 

Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, also strongly condemns the threats and intimidation directed at Gift of the Givers. 

“It is alleged that members of a so-called ‘water mafia’ reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods,” Mchunu said. 

Mchunu was in Mthatha at the weekend to engage with and thank members of the SAPS for their efforts during the floods, which have, to date, claimed 90 lives and displaced hundreds more. 

“The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people. Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need. Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of Ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively,” Mchunu said. 

He further stated the SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. 

“We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased,” Mchunu added. 

Dr Sooliman welcomed the backing by the minister. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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