Gift of the Givers threatened by ‘water mafia' while providing aid to Eastern Cape flood victims
Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers
IT SEEMS that "water mafia's" greed knows no bounds, not even the devastating floods that claimed the lives of 90 people in the Eastern Cape can melt their hearts.
This after humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers' volunteers were intimidated while delivering essential water supplies to the affected residents of Mthatha.
In the wake of the intimidation the organisation's drivers had endured, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers, fired back at the perpetrators saying that they were "not afraid", and they would continue to serve the needs of community, with the backing of the government and communities.
Sooliman detailed the alarming encounters faced by their drivers who were met with threats while transporting much-needed water.
'Given the hardships and difficulties of the people and the fact that 90 people have passed on, the behaviour of the water mafia is totally disgusting,' he declared.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
Gift of the Givers teams are now being escorted by police and security officials when delivering water to residents in Mthatha.
Image: Gift of the Givers
Dr Sooliman appreciates the swift action taken by the South African Police Service (SAPS), which provided a convoy escort—flanked by police vehicles both in front of and behind the charity's water tankers—to ensure safe passage for their operations.
'The situation has completely calmed down. However, we are calling on the community of Mthatha to help us locate a black Toyota Fortuner from which the threat was made; this person needs to be arrested,' he urged.
In a bold statement, Sooliman addressed the perpetrators directly, declaring, 'This is a message to all water mafia: we will take you on wherever you are. Gift of the Givers is not afraid of anyone. We have the support of the government, SAPS, SANDF, and above all, we have the support of the communities and the municipalities.'
He expressed resolve against those who exploit others' suffering and insisted that 'profiteering from the hardships of people has to stop.'
The situation drew the attention of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who reacted strongly to the intimidation tactics targeted at Gift of the Givers.
He stated, 'It is alleged that members of a so-called 'water mafia' reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods.'
During a recent visit to Mthatha, Mchunu expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts during the crisis and firmly condemned any attempts to obstruct humanitarian work.
'The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people,' he asserted.
Mchunu noted that any attack on Gift of the Givers was not merely an attack on an organisation but on the very values of Ubuntu that underpin South African society.
Further emphasising the commitment to public safety, the Minister assured that law enforcement would act decisively against these threats and also revealed disturbing reports of theft targeting the homes of flood victims.
'We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft,' he warned.
Police forces are deployed to ensure the safety of these properties and safeguard the dignity of the deceased and their families.
Dr Sooliman welcomed the backing from the Minister and reiterated the significant need for supportive community action to curb such heinous behaviour.
DAILY NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Dirco clarifies its response to US report that claimed racial minorities are abused in SA
Dirco disputed the 'inaccurate and distorted account of the facts' in the US Human Rights Report. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has updating its initial statement challenging the 2024 US Human Rights Report's assessment of safety conditions in South Africa's rural and farming communities. The report, released this month, stated that 'South Africa took a substantially worrying step towards land expropriation of Afrikaners and further abuses against racial minorities in the country'. It highlighted 'significant human rights issues', including unlawful killings, arbitrary arrest and the repression of racial minorities. 'The [South African] government did not take credible steps to investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed human rights abuses, including inflammatory racial rhetoric against Afrikaners and other racial minorities, or violence against racial minorities.' SA government rejects racial motivation claims Dirco on Wednesday said the South African government wishes to clarify what it called 'an inaccurate and distorted account of the facts'. It said the nation addresses all forms of crime as a significant challenge affecting all citizens, regardless of their race or location. 'The suggestion that these crimes represent a concerted practice of racially motivated attacks, as insinuated by the US report, is not borne out by the facts,' Dirco stated. ALSO READ: Dirco rejects 'inaccurate and deeply flawed' US reports on SA human rights Police statistics challenge US assessment Official statistics from the South African Police Service (Saps) support the government's position. The data covers rural safety for the fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year, from 1 January to 31 March 2025. Dirco highlighted that during this period, six murder cases occurred in farming communities. The breakdown of victims demonstrates that crimes do not target a single racial group. According to the statistics quoted by Dirco, the three victims were farm employees, one was a farm dweller, and two were farmers. 'These figures underscore that violent crime in rural areas affects everyone who lives and works on farms and related rural areas,' the department said. 'While the loss of any life is a tragedy, these statistics do not reveal a pattern of action driven by inflammatory racial rhetoric against a specific community.' ALSO READ: US report on human rights abuse in SA rejected Rural safety strategy Dirco said the government continues implementing a multi-disciplinary approach to rural safety. It said the National Rural Safety Strategy remains a priority and operates in police station areas serving rural and farming communities. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2024/2025, the strategy had been fully implemented in 893 out of 900 identified rural police stations. The initiative focuses on strengthening police capacity and encouraging community involvement, including traditional leaders and agricultural organisations. Parties involved in rural safety strategy The strategy incorporates multiple stakeholder groups in its implementation. Commercial farmers associations participate through organisations including: African Farmers Association of South Africa, National African Farmers' Union, Agri-SA and its provincial structures, and Transvaal Agricultural Union. Labour unions also play a role, particularly the Food and Allied Workers Union and organisations advocating for farm workers' rights. Interest groups such as AfriForum, the South African Agricultural Research Institute, and Stop Attacks and Farm Murders contribute to the collaborative effort. Private sector collaboration The government said it actively strengthens public-private partnerships through specialised programmes. 'Furthermore, we are actively strengthening public-private partnerships through initiatives like the Eyes and Ears (E2) programme, coordinated with Business Against Crime South Africa (Bacsa),' the department stated. This initiative utilises the private security industry's technological and logistical capabilities, which improve response times to rural crimes. Commitment to transparency Dirco said South Africa maintains its commitment to transparent and collaborative crime-fighting approaches. The government expressed readiness to engage with other countries on matters of mutual interest through established diplomatic channels. 'We stand ready to engage with any nation on matters of mutual interest through established diplomatic channels, and we will continue to provide accurate, data-driven information to counter any misrepresentations of our domestic situation,' the department concluded. NOW READ: Dirco reviewing ministerial report on Hajj and Umrah for SA pilgrims
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Crime awareness day set for Greenwood Park
THE Greenwood Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) will host a Crime Awareness Day on Saturday, August 23, at Parkhill Secondary School, bringing together law enforcement, security companies, learners, and residents for a day of education, awareness, and community building. Also read: Bank warns of rise in AI-driven spoofing scams Chairperson of the Greenwood Park CPF Sub-Forum 2, Danusha Makan-Maharaj, said the event is aimed at strengthening ties between communities and crime-fighting stakeholders. 'The main purpose is to bring awareness to the communities we serve of the work of the CPF and all the roleplayers we work with. It is an opportunity for the community to come meet our local heroes from SAPS, Metro Police, and all the security companies, including their local CPF members,' she said. The programme will highlight critical issues such as gender-based violence and domestic violence, and how these often feed into crimes like hijackings and robberies. Learners from Parkhill Secondary will perform a dramatic sketch on domestic violence and a Sarafina dance piece, while drum majorettes and local security companies will add to the action with live demonstrations. Attendees can expect simulated hijacking scenarios, K9 demonstrations, an extrication drill by the eThekwini Fire Department, and displays by SAPS and Metro Police units. Security companies, including Fidelity ADT, Blue Security, Marshall Security, Excellerate, Swift, Nettow, and Shield Private Security, will showcase their vehicles, equipment, and community initiatives. Fidelity ADT's helicopter and firetruck are set to be crowd favourites. HelpMe SA will also promote their security app. Makan-Maharaj said the CPF hopes to use the event to recruit new members and expand its network of active volunteers. 'Sign up to be a part of the change. It requires just one hour a week of patrolling and being part of a team determined to make our streets safer, one street at a time,' she said She added that the CPF is particularly concerned about the recent rise in vehicle thefts and attempted hijackings in the area. 'If we adopt the ethos of 'each one helps one,' we can solve half the problems we face as communities. Looking out for your neighbour means securing your road, and street by street, we can drive out criminal elements. The message we want to send is: not on our watch.' Also at the event will be the original KITT from Knightrider and one lucky person will win a 'spin' in the talking car. There will also be a raffle for a helicopter ride to Virginia Airport from the venue, among other raffle prizes and giveaways. A live animal and reptile display, face painting, mendhi (henna) art and kiddies activities will keep the young ones entertained and, for hungry tummies, delicious food and beverages will be on sale. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Fake Louis Vuitton bags and belts seized in R67 million illicit-goods raid
This is the South African Police Service's second major raid worth millions. Police in Gauteng have conducted another raid in Johannesburg and seized items worth millions on Tuesday. The Saps Gauteng counterfeit unit, City Deep's border police, brand protectors and the crime prevention wardens visited three shops in areas including Booysens, Randburg and Florida and seized counterfeit items. The seized items include clothing, shoes, cellphone accessories, Louis Vuitton handbags and belts, with an estimated total value of R67.2 million. ALSO READ: Illicit goods worth R1.7 million intercepted at Botswana border post 'The Gauteng counterfeit unit remains committed to protecting consumers and businesses from the risks associated with counterfeit goods,' said the Saps on Wednesday. Illicit goods nationwide This is the South African Police Service's second major raid recently that is worth millions. Just three weeks ago, police announced their nationwide operations resulted in the seizure of illicit goods worth more than R156 million. The operations were led by the national counterfeit and illicit goods unit, with support from Public Order Policing (POP), the South African Revenue Services' (Sars) customs and enforcement team, counterfeit depot officials, brand protectors and private security personnel. The team targeted shops in Marabastad, Mokopane, Mbombela, Bela Bela, Mookgophong and Modimolle. ALSO READ: Sars loses R119 billion in tax revenue due to illicit cigarette sales since 2002 During these operations, the team seized more than 23 000 items imitating high-end designer brands that include clothing, shoes, bags, caps, and watches, as well as counterfeit jewellery, sunglasses, perfumes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Sports apparel that bears the Springboks trademark and other well-known brand clothing items were seized outside Mbombela Stadium and Loftus Stadium, respectively, during the Springbok rugby games against visiting countries. The team also confiscated illicit cigarettes valued at over R50 000. 'The Counterfeit Goods Act aims to combat the trade in counterfeit goods by protecting trademarks, copyrights, and certain mark owners from the unlawful use of their intellectual property on goods and preventing such counterfeit goods from entering the market,' said Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. 'Saps remains committed to eradicating the illegal trade in counterfeit goods in an effort to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and ensure the integrity of South Africa's economy.'
