The unit for domestic violence, child protection and sexual offences in the Mbombela Local Municipality's functioning is being seriously hindered by a shortage of vehicles.
This unit, which has been named the best in the province several times, has only had two vehicles at its disposal since the beginning of 2022, while it is supposed to service five towns.
Last week, there were no vehicles available to investigate cases as maintenance and repair work had to be done.
Last year in her provincial opening address, the Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, promised to combat crime against women and children; but now the unit that needs it the most does not have the equipment to do so.
The FF Plus sent questions regarding the shortage of police vehicles to the MEC for Community Safety, Vusi Shongwe, in 2021 already. These questions remain unanswered.
It is very difficult not to become cynical about the ANC government's supposed efforts to take decisive action against violence against women and children after years of empty promises, hollow words and plans that remain on paper.
The FF Plus will take up the matter in the Legislature Committee on Community Safety and will insist that the provincial Police Commissioner, Lt.-Gen. Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, explains how she plans to address the problem.
No more time must be wasted while the list of victims of this type of violent crime grows longer by the day.
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