Limpopo community protests bail bid for crime suspects
Angry villagers in Tshikhwani and Madombidzha marched to court, opposing bail for four men they say have long terrorised the community.
LIMPOPO – Angry residents of Tshikhwani and Madombidzha protested outside the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court last Monday, demanding that bail not be granted to four men they say have been terrorising the community.
Khuliso Raphalalani, Ronewa Ratshilingana, Aluwani Madula and Tsepo Mutshinyali were arrested after allegedly being caught with stolen goods and handed over to the police by members of the community.
During their court appearance, Mutshinyali was released on warning, while the other three were remanded in custody until October 21 for a formal bail application.
Outside the court, demonstrators called for the suspects’ permanent removal from their villages, saying they posed a danger to society.
Chester Nethenzheni, representing the protesting residents, said locals were suffering due to crime.
“People are frustrated with the rampant crime in the area, where thugs are robbing and killing people with knives, stealing cables and breaking into homes and businesses,” he said, accusing the police of failing to act.
“Thugs have been terrorising the community for a long time, yet the police drag their feet in addressing these problems. All we want is a crime-free village,” Nethenzheni added.
He explained that the march was meant to send a clear message.
“Criminals live among us here in the villages, and it is up to us to expose them and flush them from our midst. We went there to make a statement that all criminals belong in prison. We do not want more people to be the next victims. If these people are granted bail, they might continue with their crime. Let them be locked up forever.”
He said residents did not want the suspects back in the community.
“We need the justice system to make sure that these young men do not get bail.”
