Mr Bongani Msomi
UDM Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is extremely concerned about this new trend that is happening in and around South Africa, tavern patrons (mostly youth) losing their lives. A lot has happened between the Saturday night and Sunday morning. Fifteen were shot and killed in Soweto, four shot and killed in Pietermaritzburg, three shot and killed in Duncan Village and two shot and killed in Katlehong while the country hasn’t recovered from eNyobeni tragedy.
This is alarming, while the Minister of Police Bheki Cele is going around the country hosting talk shows that are not yielding any fruitful results. He is wasting taxpayers hard earned money, playing a political race card and free media airtime. One wonders where the National Police Commissioner who is in charge for the daily operations of police. The behavior of the Minister is utterly disgusting; he must allow the police officers to do their work as they were trained to deal with crime.
It is proven once again that South Africa is nothing but a banana republic where laws or by-laws in place are not followed. The tavern owners are doing as they please and operate without adhering to stipulated hours of their operation. These killings are usually taking place in wee hours. If there was a police visibility in townships or around these taverns, making sure that these spots close on time, these killings could be prevented.
It is time that the police start earnestly to do their work to protect the communities and that will need them to come up with a practical plan of how to combat these senseless killings. There is a need of police service that is responsive. Currently, it seems the police continue to be clueless and they have not learnt anything from last year July riots.
It was so careless of the ANC’s spokesperson Pule Mabe to say that it is not the job of national security cluster to guard taverns. It is clear, the ANC is living on another world and is out of touch. The main task of the police is to protect the citizens 24/7.
The UDM calls on President Ramaphosa to give leadership and address the nation. The country is in a crisis.
The UDM wishes to take this opportunity to send its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones.
Issued by:
Mr Bongani Msomi
UDM Secretary General
