Prayer alone won’t fix crime says IFP

THE IFP in KZN has called for a tangible plan of action to address escalating crime in the Maqeleni area in eShowe.

Party spokesperson on community safety and liaison, Blessed Gwala, said his party believed more than prayer is needed to combat crime in the area.

‘We have noted efforts by KZN MEC for Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, to hold a community prayer meeting at Maqeleni as a means to fix crime.

‘Prayer without action is meaningless because our loving God gave humans free will. When we use that free will to commit unacceptable and unspeakable atrocities, we cannot expect God to reach down from heaven and fix it.

‘It is our belief that MEC Kaunda has been ill-advised to hold a prayer meeting instead of also implementing practical measures to ensure that criminals in Maqeleni are arrested without delay.

‘Kaunda must choose whether he wants to be a pastor or a politician. He cannot be a player and a referee at the same time.

‘This only proves that these so called prayers and izimbizos are merely election campaign tools using government resources.

‘A government that does not keep its citizens safe is failing in its basic duty. The stories we read and the things we see in our country are heart-breaking.

‘It is time to act,’

Gwala said South Africa was losing the fight against violent crime, saying a sharp change of direction was needed.

‘We urge authorities to do everything within their power to bring the perpetrators of crime to justice and to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of all citizens,’ he said.

The Maqeleni area has been rocked by violence sparked by allegations of stock theft, resulting in some houses being set alight and people being killed.

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