A peaceful march will be held on Sunday, January 5th, for slain Gqeberha police constable Callan Andrews (29).
Constable Andrews was shot in cold blood while patrolling the streets of Helenvale in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve. The incident occurred when the vehicle he and his partner were driving stalled during their patrol. He was robbed of his service firearm while trying to kick-start the vehicle with the help of three community members. No arrests have been made yet.
Since the shooting, social media has been abuzz with people calling for “Justice for Callan.” The march will commence at 15:00 from Gelvandale Police Station to the crime scene. Attendees are asked to wear a black t-shirt and bring a light blue balloon to release at the site. Parking will be provided at Christ the King Church.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, earlier strongly condemned the killing of Constable Andrews and called upon the public to provide information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Yusuf Cassim, the Democratic Alliance’s MPL and Shadow MEC for Community Safety, on January 2nd, also expressed its outrage over the senseless killing. Cassim stated in a media release that in September 2024, the Ministry of Police signed an official cooperation agreement with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. “This agreement was presented as a means to enhance collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders to address safety and security concerns in the region.
“I have written to the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, the Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, and NMB Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, to request feedback on whether this agreement has resulted in any meaningful impact on the high crime rate in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Furthermore, I have requested of them to allocate a sizable reward for the successful identification and conviction of those responsible for this heinous crime.
“We cannot allow the tragic and brutal killing of a police officer with a bright future ahead of him to become a mere statistic. Crime in Northern Areas has been spiraling out of control for years, creating an abnormal situation that has claimed countless innocent lives. Residents live in constant fear as criminals and gangsters run rampant without fear of reprisal.
“The police are understaffed and under-resourced, and they are losing the battle against crime in Northern Areas and Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Cassim.
