Community of Muduluni concerned as gangsterism rises
One of the residents said Muduluni village has been plagued by crimes such as house break-ins, assault and robbery.
LIMPOPO – The community of Muduluni in the Kutama area is deeply worried about the apparent rise in gangsterism in their community after two recent incidents in which villagers were randomly attacked by gangsters.
On the evening of October 28, three men were walking home from the local tavern when they were accosted by three armed men who started shooting at them. Two of the victims were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment. No-one has been arrested yet.
In the latest incident, which happened in the early hours of November 5, just as load-shedding came into effect, a gang of men randomly started stabbing patrons at another tavern in the village, wounding more than 10 people. The police are still searching for the suspects.
One of the residents, who wished to remain anonymous, said Muduluni village has been plagued by crimes such as house break-ins, assault and robbery.
“Most of the crimes are committed late at night when the liquor outlets close.
“Crime can only be defeated if the community assist the police.” He urged community members to report any criminal activity.
“Criminals must be removed from our community.
“They have no place in our village, and we will not protect them. Gangsters deserve to rot in jail because they cause havoc in our peaceful land.
“We are tired of gangsters ruling our communities.”
He said they had identified a number of groups and the names of suspected perpetrators, and would be visiting their homes.
“The problem is that parents defend their children. They live with stolen property in their homes.
“When we go and identify the culprits at their homes, their parents come out and defend them. We are saying to the parents, please stop defending your children.”
Police spokesperson, Sgt Tshifhiwa Radzilani said the police would spare no effort in the war against crime. “We will work with community stakeholders until we defeat crime. We are going to work on the information we have and hope something positive will come from this.”
Radzilani emphasised that residents are not to take the law into their own hands, but should instead visit the police station and request to become involved with the community policing forum (CPF).
“The CPF and the police will work together and see how best to solve the problem. Mob justice will not solve any crime since it is a criminal activity in itself.”
