Their aim is to combat the crime
By Mbulelo Sisulu
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga, Nelson Mandela Bay district senior management and the Executive Mayor of NMB, Nqaba Bhanga held discussions with the Ambassador of Somali based in South Africa , Mohammed Ali Mire to discuss crime related concerns affecting the Somalian businessmen in the metro on Tuesday 16 February 2021 in Port Elizabeth.
This comes after four Somalian businessmen were killed and one injured in alleged robberies committed either at or outside their businesses in the townships within the metro. The motive in all of these attacks was robbery. This incident happened last week.
The Ambassador Mire together with a few community leaders highlighted three major concerns namely vehicle hijackings, robberies and murders emanating from the robberies. The allegation of protection fees was also brought to the attention of the municipality and the SAPS.
Mayor Nqaba Bhanga welcomed the Ambassador of Somali and reiterated that South Africa and Somali enjoy strong and good relations between both countries. He further emphasised challenges encountered by the municipality with the Somali businesses in Durban Road.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga in her response to their concerns added that the Somali community are not being singled out by criminals instead criminals are targeting the vulnerable. She urged the Somalians to be cautious and not to carry large amounts of cash with them.
“We appeal to them to avoid being targeted, they should use electronic banking etc. We need to work together as a collective to find solutions that will address the safety of all businessmen while at the same time every effort must be made to combat the violence associated with this,” said Lt Gen Ntshinga.
The meeting was very productive with all parties agreeing to work together and adhering to the municipal by-laws as well as the laws of this country.
