Flood-hit Mthatha residents plead for SAPS protection
Displaced flood victims in Mthatha are pleading
for police protection, saying they do not feel safe in the areas where they
have been relocated to.
They made the request to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu who visited the area on Saturday.
The official death toll from Tuesday’s floods now stands at 86, with more than a thousand people displaced.
Some of the affected families have told Mchunu that the temporary shelters have no electricity and feel vulnerable to crime.
The minister has promised to speak with the National Police Commissioner about deploying the SAPS.
READ: EC declares 'day of mourning' after deadly floods
He has also praised officers who have been part of search and rescue efforts.
"You should feel proud as individuals that at least at some point rose up to national duty in this manner and answered the call of duty," said Mchunu.
"That is what you are doing and all of us in South Africa, all of us in government commend you for what you are doing."
ALSO READ: Ramaphosa blames climate change for 'catastrophic' floods
Meanwhile, Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has warned of possible respiratory infections and waterborne diseases rising in the aftermath of the disaster.
He said the region is already fragile health facilities are under strain.
"We will call environmental health
https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/motsoaledi-sa-keeping-tabs-new-covid-19-variant/
inspectors to assess the situation and advise us accordingly."In a disaster situation like this, anything can happen. We've got lots of winter illnesses. That's what we fear the most," said Motsoaledi.
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