Thieves Strike Mabuyane’s Residence

East London-Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has fallen victim to the province’s growing crime wave after his residence in East London’s Bunkers Hill was broken into over the weekend. Thieves reportedly stole electronics and mobile phones worth more than R40,000.

The property, known for its tight security features like electric fencing, CCTV surveillance, and a constant police presence, was breached in the early hours of Sunday morning. A police officer on duty noticed something was wrong just before 7am when he spotted that a window pane in the sitting room had been removed.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that several items were taken, including a sound system, office keys and other electronic devices. A police insider revealed that the break-in was first flagged by the guard, who later informed the domestic worker. Initially, she hadn’t noticed anything unusual as she opened the curtains and began her daily tasks.

Premier Mabuyane, who was reportedly away in his home village of Ngcobo at the time, returned urgently after learning about the incident. The burglary comes just weeks after provincial safety officials raised concerns about increasing home robberies in Buffalo City’s upmarket areas.