Crime out of control, and we need policing

Awoman who has lived in fear of her husband for years, three people gunned down after a funeral and a woman brazenly kidnapped and still not home after a week of being missing. These are three vastly different stories but all prove one thing — crime is out of control. Riana Pretorius was seen on CCTV footage being pushed into a white Toyota Corolla by at least three armed men as she arrived for work in Pickering Street last Thursday.

After a funeral on Saturday in Arcadia, three people were gunned down and a fourth was wounded.

The victims are believed to have been cleaning up after the funeral service at the home.

A prominent Mthatha doctor’s estranged husband faces charges of attempted murder and contravention of a protection order and has applied for bail.

Siphiwo Mngxali appeared in the Mthatha magistrate’s court on Wednesday, in a legal battle with his wife Dr Yolisa Siphambo-Mngxali.

The lawlessness is beyond alarming and police must act on the crime crisis.

It will most likely take the police years to achieve anything tangible, but the EFF march on Monday proved one thing — the heavy presence of officers shows SA has adequate resources to combat the scourge.

Streets across the country had police officers roaming about, quickly putting an end to any disruptions.

More than 550 protesters were arrested and 24,300 tyres were confiscated. No major incidents were reported.

In the Bay, law enforcement presence was visible as police and security officials kept an eye out for potential incidents.

And not much happened in the city on Monday apart from a protest in front of The Boardwalk which quickly ended, and shoppers continued with their day.

EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo told party members on Monday the protest had proved SA can tackle crime.

Many may disagree with the EFF on several fronts, but Thambo is right in his assertion.

The EFF flexed its muscle and the government reacted, proving it has the means to keep citizens safe.

Only one question remains: Why can’t such high police visibility be an everyday occurrence?