An attack on Ubuntu

OUTRAGE: WATER MAFIA TRIES TO STOP GIFT OF THE GIVERS' WORK

- Enkosi Selane

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly condemned threats made against the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers while they were providing critical assistance to flood-affected communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

The incident has prompted both national and local governments to denounce what they describe as criminal opportunism targeting disaster relief efforts.

Members of an alleged "water mafia" reportedly connected to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo district municipality allegedly threatened Gift of the Givers staff on Saturday while they were distributing clean drinking water to flood victims.

The criminals allegedly directed the humanitarian workers to stop the relief operation.

Mchunu, who was in Mthatha at the weekend to engage with South African Police Service (Saps) members involved in flood response efforts, expressed outrage at the incident.