By Anita Dangazele
- People who were never affected by floods are taking food, blankets and even housing meant for those who lost everything.
- MEC Zolile Williams says everyone will now be checked one by one to make sure only real victims get help.
Real flood victims in the Eastern Cape are furious. They say scammers are pretending to be homeless just to get food, blankets and housing.
During a visit to aid centres in Mthatha, the victims told MEC Zolile Williams that people who were never affected by the floods are stealing their donations.
Williams, who is MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, visited the Decoligny and Bambanani Primary School centres in Slovo Park. He was joined by OR Tambo mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana and King Sabata Dalindyebo mayor Nyaniso Nelani.
Victims said fake survivors fill up the centres when officials arrive with aid.
“More than half the people here are not real victims,” said Thobeka Zulu. “Some bring family from other villages just to pretend. They take everything, and we’re left with nothing.”
She said some of them are even selling the aid. “You’ll see someone with five blankets and three mattresses. Later, they’re all gone, traded for alcohol or cash. Then they come back and ask for more.”
Another victim, Sindiswa Ntweni, said up to 80% of the 92 people staying in paid lodges are not genuine. “Some were just renting. Others had no flood damage at all.”
Williams said he was shocked. “Where did the donations from two weeks ago go?” he asked. “Were they also taken by the wrong people?”
He said the government will now verify and register every person. “Only real victims will get help. We will also investigate everyone staying in lodges and B&Bs.”
From Thursday, verified victims will be allowed to stay longer in paid accommodation while permanent homes are found.
The floods in early June killed 102 people and left over 4,700 homeless. Damage is estimated at more than R5-billion.
Williams urged communities to report fraud. “This help is meant for people who truly lost their homes.”
Pictured above: Eastern Cape MEC Zolile Williams visits flood relief centres in Mthatha.
Image source: EC Cogta
