In an attempt to honour the life of the fallen policeman, the DA has written to the Nelson Mandela Bay metro to consider renaming Kobus Road in the northern areas to Callan Andrews Drive.
Andrews, 30, had been on the job for three months when he was shot in the head on December 31 and robbed of his service pistol next to the police vehicle he was pushing after it had broken down.
DA caucus leader and councillor Rano Kayser said the party would also file a motion requesting the renaming of that stretch of road.
In the letter to mayor Babalwa Lobishe and acting city manager Sizwe Mvunelwa, Kayser said Andrews’ death was a reminder and reflection of the rampant crime in the city.
“It also reflects the negligence of our government departments.
“The DA calls for the renaming of Kobus Road to Callan Andrews Drive.
“Not only is this name change befitting of an officer who vowed to serve and protect, but also a reminder of the atrocities of the criminal enterprises that continue to ravage this beautiful city,” Kayser wrote.
He said the situation had been aggravated by the faulty equipment provided by the police.
“Constable Andrews was shot and killed when his assigned vehicle malfunctioned and he had to physically push it.
“This, we believe, is a tragedy that could have been avoided if the police had conducted regular checks on vehicles.
“The northern areas continue to be at the centre of vicious crimes and gang-related violence.
“A collective call needs to be made strongly not only by the government, but by all who live in our city.”
In a statement on Sunday, Kayser said the party had also put forward a motion in Bhisho, where it was passed, that the legislature offer its condolences to Andrews’ family and for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
“Crime in Nelson Mandela Bay has been spiralling 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 Nelson Mandela Bay.
“It will take a whole-of-society approach to rescue our city from gangsters and other violent criminals.”
The Herald
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