Extortionists now target Gift of Givers in flood-hit Mthatha

HUMANITARIAN aid organisation Gift of the Givers remained unmoved by attempts to extort some of their teams involved in the mopping-up operations in the O.R.Tambo District Municipality in Mthatha where nearly 100 people were killed during the recent floods in the Eastern Cape. 

 The team was busy providing water to flood victims on Saturday when criminals directed them to stop what they were doing and accused the aid workers of interfering with their business.

In a statement, the municipality said extortion was not only a crime, but  a moral betrayal of the highest order, especially when directed at those extending a hand to the helpless. 

“To prey on a crisis is to turn pain into profit. It is merciless, and it will not be tolerated. This municipality has consistently spoken out against the growing scourge of extortion across the district. Today, we do so again, not only to defend our partners, but to defend what is right. We have reported this matter to the relevant law enforcement authorities for urgent investigation and we will provide all necessary support to ensure that those responsible are held to account.

“When the disaster struck families stood ankle-deep in sorrow, the Gift of the Givers did not wait to be called; they came bearing food, water, and dignity. To learn that such humanity was met with criminal opportunism is not only heartbreaking, but utterly disgusting,” the municipality said. 

Gift of the Givers project manager Ali Sablay said given severe damage to the water infrastructure in Mthatha, they were requested by local authorities to assist with their water tanker. 

“Gift of the Givers teams immediately deployed two water tankers to come and assist the community of Mthatha, particularly the forensic unit that’s performing the most crucial part of the autopsies (as well as hospitals and clinics). While our teams were busy with this distribution, as water is the main scarcity, filling up at the water plants our teams received a threat from one of the service providers to the municipality. As we know in these kinds of water challenges many people are opportunistic in taking advantage of the situation. They were concerned that Gift of the Givers is giving water to the community free of charge. We are very grateful to the OR Tambo District Municipality, to the South African Police Service, to the law enforcement and the community who said they will not allow this. They told our teams not to leave,” said Sablay. 

He said  the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality (KSD) law enforcement were escorting them to various sites. 

“The SAPS felt it just as a caution to allocate a personal team with our water trucks in Mthata. The town has severe water challenges due to the recent flooding. We would like to thank EC acting police commissioner Major General Kupiso and colonel Nangamso Ngcangula for acting as a team to assist us,” said Sablay. 

Eastern police spokesperson, Nobuntu Gantana said the Gift of the Givers driver  was allegedly threatened by occupants of a black Toyota Fortuner. 

“The occupants instructed the driver to cease water collection activities, claiming the driver was interfering with their business. Unfortunately, the registration number of the vehicle involved was not recorded, hindering further investigation. No formal case has been opened regarding this incident at this time. To ensure the safety of personnel and continuity of essential water supply operations, KSD Local Municipality law enforcement officers, assisted by SAPS members, are now providing escorts for all water collection trucks," Gantana said. 

According to the Eastern Cape provincial government out of the 90 fatalities, 60 are adults and 30 are children, 48 are men and 42 are women, IOL reported. 

The Department of Health has also completed post-mortems with 80 bodies being positively identified and 77 bodies released to families. 

“The Provincial Government remains in close contact with affected families to provide necessities and psychosocial support, with the Council of Churches also having joined in providing spiritual healing to the grieving families,” provincial government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said. 

The provision of emergency relief to thousands of displaced residents in the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities remains in progress. 

“About 2,686 residents were left homeless and are currently accommodated in various shelters and provided with three meals a day and all the necessities. Progress has been made in the restoration of basic services in the affected areas,” Rantjie said.  

Additional reporting by IOL.