Police minister Bheki Cele and national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola will visit Mthatha today as pressure mounts to quell national outrage and threats against the man publicly accused of tormenting Namhla Mtwa. Thousands took to the town’s streets on Wednesday and demanded action from law enforcement in bringing Mtwa’s killer to book and stemming the tide of gender-based violence.
“Any other person, be it a shopkeeper or a police officer, is not allowed to assist someone in terminating a pregnancy. You can be arrested and thrown in jail if you do that.” Only trained nurses and doctors are allowed to perform abortions, according to deputy health minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
Spooked by a spike in crime, including a spate of people being killed by unknown gunmen in recent weeks, local authorities and law enforcement agencies in Mthatha have joined hands to reclaim the town from criminals and thugs.
Water and sanitation minister Senzo Mchunu has instructed OR Tambo district and King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipal bosses to prioritise the fixing of sanitation infrastructure in Mthatha and surrounding areas, once and for all.
King Sabata Dalindyebo municipal bosses and organised business have expressed concern at the escalating crime in Mthatha. This follows the fatal shooting recently of at least five people in two separate attacks by gunmen. The latest incident, which has rocked Mthatha citizens, took place on Sunday when three taxi operators, Jongikhaya Mapeyi and Luyolo Mvamve, both from Corhana, and Mziwakhe Mbuti Makhabane of Ntilini in Sibangweni, were shot and killed.