The world-renowned Kruger National Park is situated less than 30km from Mkhuhlu, yet the informal settlement in Calcutta is currently gripped by a wave of violence that has claimed 37 lives since January, reports Lowvelder.

Mpumalanga authorities have intensified policing in the area following the latest quadruple murder in the Calcutta precinct.

The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, visited Mkhuhlu on Tuesday (July 14) following the murder of four people in the area last Sunday (July 12).

Macie told the community that the death toll of 37 people since the beginning of the year was alarming, noting that the ongoing violence is negatively affecting local tourism.

The MEC was accompanied by the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Lydea Moroane, and other government officials. The visit was aimed at consoling the affected families and reassuring the broader community that the security cluster is doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.

37 gun murders, only 2 arrested

According to Macie, while 37 gun murders have been recorded in the precinct this year, only two suspects have been arrested. He said this was deeply troubling and an indictment of policing in the area. Macie vowed there would be a breakthrough but called on those who 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 that communities who may have information that could assist in solving these cases report anonymously to the police or to me directly.”

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 promised psychosocial support through the Department of Social Development.

The four victims killed on Sunday were Alice Mahlangu (19), Zuzumuzi Sedibe (28), Midwel Maluka (31) and Xolani Mona (32). A fifth victim, whose identity is being withheld, was transported to a local hospital and is 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,” said Mkhwanazi. “We have increased our deployment in Mkhuhlu since Sunday to manage the situation.”

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu said during a visit to Calcutta Police Station on Monday (July 13) that a suspect had been identified.

“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.”

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.