Bantu Holomisa calls for urgent efforts in war against crime in the Eastern Cape

Nkhensani Chauke

The Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa has described the escalating crime rate in the Eastern Cape as deplorable and called for a comprehensive policing approach as a more effective solution.

Holomisa also urged Police Minister Senzo Mchunu during the cabinet Lekgotla meeting recently, to intervene in the EC and in Mthatha and Gqeberha, in particular.

Mchunu subsequently visited the province, accompanied by the Premier Oscar Mabuyane and vowed to beef up security in areas such as the OR Tambo District.

He said the police can request assistance from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) through the presidency to help combat crime, but that in light of the challenges surrounding military deployment, the crisis required more action and planning from law enforcement agencies as a whole.

While noting that the practice of exhortation by demanding protection fee was rife, Holomisa said involving soldiers would not be easy.

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