MK military vets march against crime
MEMBERS of the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association marched through the streets of Kwazakhele and New Brighton yesterday to raise awareness of the high levels of crime in Nelson Mandela Bay.
More than 100 members in the association’s yellow T-shirts first sang liberation songs in front of the Daku Hall before marching more than 10km to submit a petition at the New Brighton police station.
Community members were invited to join the march.
MK Veterans’ Association deputy chairman Mbulelo Qupe said there was an alarmingly high crime rate in Nelson Mandela Bay and they called upon the law enforcement agencies to work with communities in bringing back safety and protection measures by involving ward committees and community policing forums to fight crime.
“People no longer feel safe in their communities. Elderly people are robbed and raped,” Qupe said.
“Communities are prisoners in their own homes due to criminal acts. “Schools are becoming a breeding ground for criminals. Teachers have become targets on school premises.
“We are also aggrieved that ambulances are affected by these criminal activities which are crippling delivery of health services in our communities.”
He said they wanted more visible policing, prompt responses when police were called and for corrupt policemen to be brought to book.
The petition was handed over to cluster commander, Brigadier Phillip Salukazana, who said: “We will look at the petition and are grateful that they have made us aware of certain things.
“With regard to corrupt police, we don’t have a place for them in the SAPS.
“Those who are involved in corruption should start packing now.”