In August this year, a 27‑year‑old e‑hailing driver, Siyanda Mvelase, was shot and burned at Maponya Mall in Soweto in an incident linked to ongoing taxi‑related violence. Those who have been ambushed and murdered include Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, Mpho Mafole (Ekurhuleni’s group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits), Vusi Mayaba (ATA chair), Molefe Moekeletsi (ARMSTA chair), Thami Moyo (Gauteng National Taxi Association chair) and now DJ Warras (Warrick “Warras” Stock). At this rate, it appears that murdering someone in SA has become normal.
If I were the president of SA, I would be deeply worried that the country I lead is reportedly ranked among the top five in the world in terms of murder rate — worse than many conflict and war‑torn regions. It would be even more concerning if I were the minister of police or the national commissioner. Most of us, as law‑abiding citizens and whistle‑blowers, are exposed daily because we do not have the luxury of walking or driving around with armed bodyguards under 24/7 security protection.
This begs the question — what does the country expect from criminals and thugs when political leaders wake up every morning focused primarily on being violent, destroying property and disrupting or collapsing council meetings, provincial legislatures and parliamentary sessions? After all, these are the same councillors, MPLs and MPs who must amend the constitution and legislation so that they are clearly on the side of victims rather than thugs and criminals. Within the legislative process, many still cannot comprehend that they are the first line of defence.
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What we witnessed on Monday December 15, at the KwaZulu‑Natal provincial legislature, was a disgrace and showed complete disrespect to the people who entrusted those members with the responsibility of leading SA towards hope, growth, prosperity, justice and peace. Anyone hiding behind constitutional rights, the Parliamentary Immunities Act or parliamentary rules to defend this unacceptable behaviour is equally guilty of showing a middle finger to the public.
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