Hon Deputy Speaker, the ANC condemns the recent killing of an elderly woman and two Fidelity security guards during a robbery at the Lindelani community hall pension paypoint near Ntuzuma, in Durban. The elderly woman, queuing for her monthly grant, unwittingly ran into a hail of bullets during an armed robbery because she was partially blind and became a victim of the ruthless criminals. This shocking conduct of criminality can only be carried out by elements that do not deserve to be in the midst of civilised people. We call on all citizens of Lindelani to join hands with the police to bring the criminals to book.
It is important to highlight the need to tighten judicial penalties for people who are bent on undermining public safety and do not value the lives of others. We are convinced that structures like community policing forums need to be strengthened and resourced to ensure that such acts are detected beforehand. Let us, in the tradition of street committees, ensure that each community has a visible and effective forum.
The ANC conveys condolences to the bereaved and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured during the shooting. [Applause.]