Gift of the Givers flood aid slowed by mafia
Updated | By Gcinokuhle Malinga
Police in the Eastern Cape have had to intervene after a humanitarian aid organisation was threatened while offering help to flood victims in Mthatha.
Members of the Gift of the Givers were intimidated allegedly by a water mafia gang while distributing clean drinking water on Wednesday.
It's understood that the group linked to a service provider contracted by the municipality are not happy with the work being done by the relief organisation.
Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu has deployed officials to protect organisations providing aid in the area.
READ: Mthatha flood search intensifies, death toll at 88
His spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi says officers are also safe guarding flooded homes that are now being targeted by criminals.
" 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. Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in the hour of need, any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu.
"No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and wellbeing of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively."
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