eMBALENHLE – The ongoing high crime levels which include murder and rape, are becoming a serious concern to locals.
They have described the area as dangerous as a war zone.
Murder, rape and gangersterism are the predominant crimes about which locals complain.
In the previous financial year (2016/2017), eMbalenhle Police Station was said to be the only precinct in Mpumalanga that rated among the country’s top 30 bloodiest places, because of the high murder rate.
There were 85 murders recorded at that time.
Locals believe that the number of murders has since increased in the area and said at least two people are killed weekly in the area.
The residents claimed that eMbalenhle continues to be the turf for gang wars.
They said their lives are in danger as they are daily terrorised by the gangs and other criminals.
They no longer feel safe to go out, especially at night.
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Locals alleged that the criminal groups have taken over the township and are causing havoc and disharmony.
“I cannot even go to the nearest tuckshop in the evenings, because it is extremely dangerous.
“If ever you are forced go out at night, you have to carry a weapon to defend yourself.
“Children are being raped daily. This place is not safe anymore,” said Mr Bongani Sindane, a resident.
Police confirmed that crime is still the biggest challenge in the area and said that they are working hard to bring it down.
Const Busi Mtethwa, police spokesman, said several cases of assault and attempted murder linked to gang fights have been reported to the police.
According to the police, most of the statements in their possession link these incidents to the Basotho Initiation School.
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Const Busi Mtethwa said lately the most concerning crime is rape of young girls.
She pleaded with parents to always know the whereabouts of their children and to build a strong relationship with them, so that they can quickly notice if something is wrong.
“We urged parents not to settle rape matters outside the justice system.”
In some incidents, parents make deals with the perpetrators to pay damages as a form of cleansing the family.
“That is illegal, we urged parents to report the crime and to break the silence, even if the perpetrators are related to them.”
Residents also complained that the police station is too small, has limited resource and cannot cater for the whole area.
They also raised concerns that the Community Policing Forum (CPF) is inactive.
Mr Ntokozo Mthembu, the Individual Brilliance Organisation’s founder, said it is a serious concerned and that organisations that really want to make a difference, do not get support.
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He said eMbalenhle is not at all safe. “There is no longer a safe place here, these criminals target everything, including churches, schools and clinics.
“We will not stop trying to curb crime in our area, although it is not easy.”
Const Mthethwa said the police are dedicated to reduce crime in the area, however they need the co-operation of locals.
She urged those who are unhappy with police’s service to report to the station management or to use the suggesting box at the police station.
She warned locals about hijackings and advised motorists to avoid parking alongside the road, especially at night.
