Gumagumas’ days are numbered, say police minister and Lim MEC

THE days that the Gumagumas (criminals who terrorise people along the border) rule the border town of Musina terrorising foreign nationals are numbered.

This follows after Garikai Maposa, a 23-year-old Zimbabwean national, was recently attacked by such a group, violently assaulted and robbed.

His younger brother who was with him, died as a result of the attack. Maposa currently lives in one of the shelters for foreign nationals in Musina. The attack and robbery was just one of many similar incidents occurring regularly in the area.

Following the incident, minister of police, Nathi Mthethwa and safety, security and liaison MEC, Joyce Mashamba, interacted with Musina residents in a bid to curb crime.

During the meeting people were given the chance to ask questions pertaining to crime, and existing cases. Mthethwa acknowledged the police officials who were doing their best to combat crime.

He lashed out at those police officials who tarnished the police’s image by getting involved in criminal activities.

“We have dedicated men and women in the police service who serve the community wholeheartedly, and we commend them for that. Those who are collaborating with criminals must know that their days in the police services are numbered.”

He said everyone deserved to live in peace and comfort, and the community should never allow themselves to be terrorised by criminals. “Criminals have no room in our community and it is our joint duty to make sure that they are put behind bars. It is our collective responsibility to make sure that we turn our habitat into a crime-free zone.”

He appealed to all residents to forget their petty differences and join hands in fighting the Gumagumas.

Musina community policing forum chairperson, Mashudu Ndou, said they were worried about the drastic rise in crimes such as rape, theft and the smuggling of illegal cigarettes in the area.

“The crime rate in our area is unacceptable. We cannot allow our area to be ruled by criminals and we know that as the community alone we can’t beat the crime alone.

We need police to assist us,” he said.

He further said he was excited about the fact that so many people had attended the meeting.

Winnie Ramakokovhu, one of the attendees, said: “What happened today is a clear sign that the department is determined to root out crime. We hope this is done at regular intervals.”