Thohoyandou residents meet to tackle rising crime
Residents of Thohoyandou Unit E met to address rising crime, discussing patrols, police cooperation and plans to strengthen community safety.
LIMPOPO – Concerned by rising incidents of housebreak-ins, theft and robbery, residents of Thohoyandou Unit E (formerly Hamagidi) near Sibasa gathered at Magidi Primary School on Sunday to discuss ways to combat crime in the area.
Deputy chairperson of Thohoyandou Unit E, Mashudu Ndou, said the community was tired of sleepless nights caused by high crime levels and could no longer remain passive while residents were robbed or threatened. He said the meeting aimed to encourage responsible citizenship and collective action against crime.
Police and civic leaders engage on crime prevention
Ndou invited nearby community leaders, including Tovhowani Seemise from Makwarela township, to share views on crime prevention.
Representatives from the police also attended. Discussions included crime-prevention strategies such as night patrols, the lawful apprehension of suspects and the importance of not taking the law into one’s own hands.
According to Ndou, all unresolved crime cases in Unit E where suspects remain at large should be reported to the current civic committee to ensure coordinated follow-up. “We will engage with local police and councillors to deal with unresolved cases and hope to win the war against crime,” he said.
He added that the community was considering amendments to the village constitution to strengthen measures against offenders.
Infrastructure concerns raised
Ndou also raised concerns about Unit E being declared a proclaimed town despite still lacking basic infrastructure such as proper sewer systems, tarred roads and a reliable water supply.
Resident Maanda Maboho said discussions about crime would be meaningless without a clear action plan, noting that many crimes were committed by residents themselves.
“We must not harbour criminals. They must be reported to the police. We do not want to take the law into our own hands, but we will not tolerate ongoing crime,” he said.
Ward 21 councillor Thifhelimbilu Liphadzi welcomed the initiative, saying it was encouraging to see residents actively seeking ways to keep their area safe.
He urged the civic organisation to compile a list of roads badly affected by recent heavy rains and floods so that the Thulamela Municipality could prioritise repairs.
Plans underway for follow-up
Ndou said the community agreed to meet again on Thursday, with local police, with the possibility of launching a Community Policing Forum (CPF).
