Mpumalanga authorities have intensified policing in Mkhuhlu after 37 people were gunned down in the Calcutta precinct since January.

The township is located less than 30km from the world-renowned Kruger National Park via the R536.

The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, visited Mkhuhlu on Tuesday following the murder of four people in the area on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Additional police deployed to Calcutta after 4 gunned down

Macie told the community that the fact that 37 people had been gunned down in the area since the beginning of the year was alarming, noting that the ongoing violence is affecting local tourism.

Top Mpumalanga leadership assures communities about curbing crime

The MEC was accompanied by Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Executive Mayor Lydea Moroane and other government officials during the visit, which was aimed at consoling the affected families and reassuring the broader community that it was all hands on deck within the security cluster to bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to Macie, while 37 gun murders have been recorded in the precinct since the beginning of the year, only two suspects have been arrested.

He said this was deeply troubling and an indictment on policing in the area.Macie vowed there would be a breakthrough, but called on those who had been given the opportunity to wear the badge to serve with honour and integrity.

“We must do justice to the people of the province, especially the people of Mkhuhlu,” said Macie.

“We therefore request communities who may have information that could assist in solving these cases to report anonymously to the police or to me directly.”

1 of 4 victims gunned down is a woman

He insisted that no one involved in criminal activity should be protected, regardless of their standing in society.

The affected families were presented with food parcels and were promised psychosocial support through the Department of Social Development.

ALSO READ: More police deployment in Mkhuhlu following four gun murders

The victims killed on Sunday were Alice Mahlangu (19), Zuzumuzi Sedibe (28), Midwel Maluka (31) and Xolani Mona (32).

The fifth victim, whose identity is being withheld, was transported to a local hospital in a critical condition.

According to Mpumalanga acting police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, more than one firearm was used in the attack.” A rifle and a 9mm firearm were used in the attack,” said Mkhwanazi.

“We have increased our deployment in Mkhuhlu since Sunday to manage the situation.”

Suspect identified

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu said during a visit to Calcutta Police Station on Monday that a suspect had been identified.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Premier visits Mkhuhlu following escalating gun murders

“There is a main culprit who we believe, if arrested, can help solve the murders taking place here in Mkhuhlu and Mariti,” he said.

“We are not going to hand over the government to criminals. We shall not allow these areas to be nests for criminals. We are ready and we have given the acting provincial commissioner four days to report back on developments.”