GQEBERHA – Hundreds of residents from across Nelson Mandela Bay took to the streets in an anti-crime march led by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis to call for stronger action against violent crime and the appointment of a permanent national Minister of Police.

The march started at the corner of Aubrey Road and Amelia Street in Gelvan Park and ended at the SAPS 10111 Centre, where political leaders and community members addressed the crowd.

Many residents said they were living in fear as violent crime, shootings and gang activity continue to affect communities across the metro.

Residents describe living in fear of violent crime

Ruby Williams, who lives in Gelvan Park and is originally from Helenvale, told the PE Express residents had grown tired of the violence.

“The crime rate is so high and it is terrible that some people have been murdered in their own homes….it has to stop,” she shared. “We are tired of the killings and people getting away with it.”

Williams said although police often arrested suspects, she believed the justice system was failing communities.

“The police catch the criminals, but then they go to court and the magistrates set them free. The justice system is corrupt because even if the police do their jobs, you see the criminals are out of jail.”

Bonita Simon, who travelled from Kariega to join the march, said crime had become a constant source of anxiety.

“We are overwhelmed with crime. Every week there is heartbreak. We can’t walk anywhere or send our children to the shop,” she explained. “It was quiet for a while, then it picked up again and has gotten worse. We’ve had enough of crime and can’t live like this anymore. Something must be done.”

Claudette Jenniker said daily life had become increasingly difficult because of gang violence in her neighbourhood.

“I live among the gangsters. We are not safe,” she said. “We hear shootings in the evening and then in the morning we find out who has been hurt. Just yesterday there was another shooting, and I have two young sons ….we really don’t feel safe.”

Hill-Lewis calls for permanent Minister of Police

Addressing supporters at the end of the march, Hill-Lewis alleged that corruption within parts of the South African Police Service was undermining efforts to combat crime.

“Too many of our police are working with criminals. I want to say, with respect, there are police officers who do a good job, but among them too many are working with criminals,” he said.

Hill-Lewis called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint a permanent Minister of Police, arguing that the country could not effectively tackle violent crime without stable leadership.

“We’ve had two police ministers, one acting and one suspended in the past year. Both have been earning a full salary,” he shared. “We can’t fight permanent crime with temporary leadership. We need a permanent police minister now. Show us you are serious about fixing violent crime in South Africa and get rid of all the dirty cops and give us permanent police leadership.”

The march formed part of the DA’s campaign highlighting what it describes as South Africa’s worsening crime crisis.

Among those who joined Hill-Lewis were DA Federal Chairperson Solly Msimanga, Eastern Cape leader Andrew Whitfield, provincial chairperson Yusuf Cassim, Deputy Chief Whip Bax Nodada, Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral candidate Retief Odendaal and provincial spokesperson Georgina Faldtman.

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