EAST LONDON – In a powerful display of unity and determination, East London local business owners regarded as ‘foreign nationals’ took to the streets of East London to protest against the rising incidents of kidnapping, extortion and crime in the region. The protest organized by concerned community members aimed to raise awareness about the alarming situation and demand action from the authorities.
Chanting slogans and carrying placards with messages condemning crime the protesters gathered in large numbers at the East London City Hall. Their voices echoed through the streets as they called for an end to the reign of fear and insecurity that has gripped their communities.
MMC for health and safety in the metro Cllr. Helen Neale-May who spoke on behalf of the Executive Mayor of BCMM Cllr. Princess Faku expressed the frustration and anguish felt by the community. “This dark cloud of criminality threatens our social fabric and undermines our economic stability which cast a shadow over our once vibrant communities, as Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality we stand united in our commitment in combating crime this is not just a battle that demands our collective action unwavering results and underlying commitment as local government we acknowledge our role in facilitating and coordinating efforts across all sectors to address crime head on,” She said.
The protest also highlighted the need for the police to provide regular updates on the progress and outcomes of kidnapping and extortion cases in the metro.The community demanded transparency and accountability urging law enforcement agencies to prioritize the safety and well-being of the residents.
Yusuf Cassim, Democratic Alliance Eastern Cape Provincial chairperson was also present during the protest and shared a few words, “from our side as the Democratic Alliance in the province and personally as a member of the Provincial Parliament, we have committed to the leadership of ICSSAC and the leadership of the communities that we will follow up in the Provincial Legislature and in the National Parliament to ensure that we get answers from the Minister, we get answers from the MEC and we engage with all of the relavant stakeholders at the relevant levels so that we get answers on every single case that has been reported, what strategy has been followed, what is happening with the response to the petition of the March of the 29th of August to ensure that this issue remains alive,” Cassim.
The rising number of kidnapping cases in the Metro has raised concerns among residents and community leaders this worrisome trend has prompted the community to take a stand and demand immediate action.
Amid the protest Imran Ghazi of ICSSAC pleaded with the government to cooperate with communities and said,” I would like to plea Mr President Cyril Ramaphosa to take an immediate action about all these rising kidnappings we need government intervention, we need no bail for these criminals, as a result there are over 180 cases. Why is there no progress? We need to see the progress. We need to see the progress. We need to see the conviction. We need to see them behind bars,” Imran.
The protest served as a powerful reminder that united communities have the strength to bring about change. The residents of the Buffalo city refused to be silenced by fear and took a stand for their safety and the well-being of their neighborhoods.
They demanded accountability, transparency, and immediate action from the authorities.
