Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dr Roy Jankielsohn MPL.
Today the Democratic Alliance (DA) took hands with the community and marched to the SAPS Station in Heidedal to highlight the tragedy that has struck once again at the Witherow Dam Quarry, with the most recent victim being Dustin Khukari. This string of unfortunate incidents underscores the perilous conditions at the quarry, posing a dire risk to our residents. Please see pictures here, here, here and here.
What should have been a resourceful site driving our community’s progress has transformed into a potential disaster, endangering the lives of our fellow community members. The disturbing sequence of tragic deaths at the dam caused by the hazardous conditions at the quarry can no longer be ignored. The recent loss of Dustin Khukari serves as a heartrending reminder of the urgent need for action.
The DA is gravely concerned by the absence of adequate safety measures and oversight that have led to these distressing incidents. Under the leadership of the Premier Candidate and the entire DA team, our commitment to ensuring citizens’ safety is unwavering. This event served as a platform to not only raise awareness about the imminent threat posed by Witherow Dam Quarry and drugs to our youth in the local community but also to demand accountability and prompt action from the responsible authorities.
Safeguarding the lives and well-being of the community is our primary responsibility. We will not relent until the necessary changes are enforced to prevent further tragedies at the quart and curb drug peddling.
In light of these concerns, the DA issues the following demands:
- That the SAPS accepts and acknowledges the contents of this memorandum.
- The SAPS opens a case to gather all the relevant information and evidence in line with the recommendation of the MEC.
- Issue a compliance notice to the landowner, outlining the necessary steps be taken to eliminate or minimise the risk associated with the Heidedal Quarry Dam in line with the recommendations of the MEC.
- Conducts a speedy investigation into the death of Dustin Khukari, whose family have indicated that there may have been foul play in his death.
- Investigates the several other deaths which have occurred at the Witherow Quarry Dam.
- Investigates the ongoing situation of the Witherow Quarry Dam, and the owner(s) and holds them responsible for the carnage it has brought the community.
- Strengthens the fight against drugs and drug dealing in the Heidedal community by taking visible steps that result in arrests to curb drug dealing and drug-related crimes.
We trust that the SAPS will recognise our inputs as an earnest effort to enhance conditions within the Heidedal community.