LIMPOPO – Frustrated by the rising wave of violent crime, students and community members took to the streets of Namakgale on Friday, March 28, to protest against the increasing attacks on young people in the area.

The march was prompted by a series of recent stabbings, which left four students injured and claimed the lives of two others.

The students marched to the Namakgale Police Station, where they submitted a memorandum to station commander Col Sesinyana Bila, outlining their concerns. The memorandum addressed key issues such as violence and crime, safety in public spaces, and access to justice.

The students further demanded increased police presence and patrols, regular school visits to prevent crime and substance abuse, efficient crime response, thorough investigations, and enhanced community engagement on safety measures. Bila received and signed the memorandum acknowledging the students’ grievances.

Katekani Mthisi, a regional member of the Sanco Youth Congress, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence.

Speaking to the Herald, he said, “We have many cases of stabbings in Phalaborwa. The first incident took place in Phalaborwa, where a young man was stabbed to death two weeks ago. The same week, another student was killed in Namakgale Zone C. Additionally, two other students were also stabbed in Namakgale. Fortunately, the two victims survived.”

Mthisi further criticised the police for their lack of action. “This situation has shown us that young people are in danger. We must take action because, in all these cases, the police are not arresting the culprits,” he said.

He also stated that the perpetrators may be targeting students for their NSFAS money or laptops provided by the school.

Mthisi said that one student who was recently attacked in his room managed to fight back and stab the suspect, who later fled. Following a blood trail, the suspect was traced to a house in Namakgale Zone C and was found receiving treatment in a hospital.

A case was opened at the Namakgale Police Station, and the suspect was subsequently arrested. The Herald reached out to the police for comment. At the time of print on Tuesday, no comment was received.