Relief operations threatened, health systems strained after EC floods

By Johnathan Paoli

In the wake of the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, thousands are displaced and health and emergency systems across the province remain critically overstretched.

Humanitarian workers are now under threat from criminal extortionists known as the “water mafia.”

Gift of the Givers reported receiving threats while delivering clean drinking water to flood-affected communities in Mthatha.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that members of a “water mafia” believed to profit from municipal water tanker contracts attempted to intimidate the group into halting its relief operations.

“The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people. Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu,” Mchunu said.

Police have since been deployed to protect the organisation’s staff, and investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The OR