Police condemn threats against humanitarian groups providing emergency aid in flood-hit EC

JOHANNESBURG - The police ministry has condemned threats against humanitarian groups providing emergency aid to flood-stricken communities in the Eastern Cape, including the humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers.

Authorities said that criminals linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality had allegedly been threatening volunteers distributing drinking water to devastated residents in and around Mthatha.

It comes as the death toll from last week's catastrophic floods remains at 90, with over 3,000 people displaced and clean water scarce in many parts of the province.

Last week, at the height of rescue and recovery operations, President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, visited some of the hardest-hit communities, promising swift relief to the displaced.

Their visits were followed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who dismissed reports of looting and corruption surrounding aid distribution.

But now, fresh concerns have emerged around safety, after volunteers from Gift of the Givers reported being threatened while delivering clean water in Mthatha.

The police ministry said that the intimidation was linked to a so-called "water mafia",  allegedly involving contractors who were providing water tanker services to the district.

"The SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area, and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. 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 from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased."

Search and recovery operations continue, and the province will observe a day of mourning on Thursday in honour of those killed.