Calls for Specialized Crime Units in Nelson Mandela Bay Gain Traction

Satori News Agency, South Africa – In response to the growing gang-related violence in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB), the Democratic Alliance's (DA) ongoing efforts to secure additional specialized South African Police Service (SAPS) resources finally seem to be gaining ground. The Police Minister, Bheki Cele, is considering the deployment of national specialized crime-fighting units to the area, following repeated calls from the DA to tackle the pressing criminal activities plaguing the district.

NMB has been battling with a spike in violent crime, with gang activity rooted deeply within several neighborhoods. In a bid to curb these criminal undertakings, the DA's provincial leader, Andrew Whitfield, formally reached out to Minister Cele on October 2, 2023. Almost three months later, a response was received, shedding light on the possible deployment of specialized units to address the dire situation.

On December 29, 2023, Minister Cele revealed that additional resources had already been allocated to NMB by the provincial commissioner. This action, according to crime statistics from the first and second quarters of 2023/24, has positively affected the crime rates compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, the crime levels remain alarming, and the DA's request for national specialized crime-fighting units is still under review.

Whitfield has been vocal about the urgent need for expert intervention in the area. The DA has proposed specific measures including doubling the manpower of the anti-gang unit, deploying the national intervention unit, and increasing police visibility, particularly in the northern areas of Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth. While welcoming Cele's acknowledgment, Whitfield expressed frustration over the delayed response from the minister, stressing that the community continues to live in fear.

The DA plans to continue pressing the matter in the police portfolio committee, urging the minister to provide prompt feedback on the progress. Whitfield and the DA have been outspoken about the potential of Cele's consideration being merely superficial, while residents face a looming threat from local gangs.

This potential boost in law enforcement resources comes at a critical time. The region has been rocked by violence, which includes mass shootings that have caused public outrage and fervent appeals for government intervention. As the political party in charge of NMB's governance, the DA's advocacy for stronger law enforcement resources underscores the severity of the situation and reflects the concerns of the afflicted communities. The party remains hopeful but vigilant, recognizing that a commitment from Minister Cele must translate into tangible results for the safety and security of NMB residents.