eMbalenhle struggles with highest crime rate in district

eMbalenhle is currently leading in crime across the Gert Sibande District and is also among the stations with the highest crime rates in Mpumalanga.

This was disclosed by Brigadier James Thela, Mpumalanga Crime Prevention Head, during the Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi’s visit to eMbalenhle on November 29.

The visit followed community marches in Mandela Section after the alleged assault and murder of Mkhapheni Mbatha by the police, as well as a march by the Vukanini Taxi Association (Vukta) demanding the removal of Constable Gert Lebitsi, who was arrested for allegedly stealing an R5 rifle reportedly linked to the murder of Kinross taxi boss, Fannie Khumalo.

Crime report highlights key challenges
Presenting a crime report to stakeholders, Thela said murder, house robberies, and gender-based violence remain major challenges in eMbalenhle.

He added that crime in the area is fuelled by weekly murder cases, many of which stem from liquor outlets that do not comply with operating conditions.

“We have a serious problem with liquor outlets that are not complying with their trading licences, and eMbalenhle has many licensed and unlicensed liquor outlets.

“This is beyond our control because the municipality now authorises liquor licences. Before this function was taken from SAPS, we ensured that licences were not approved if an outlet was near a school or a church,” said Thela.

He further highlighted that the rapid growth of informal settlements, many without accessible roads, makes it difficult for police to respond efficiently to crimes in those areas.

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Concerns about illegal initiation schools
The Govan Mbeki Traditional Council raised concerns about the rise of illegal initiation schools in eMbalenhle, where young boys are allegedly abducted and taken without parental approval. Council chairperson Mphikeleli Mthimunye said the problem is worsening.

“Every year, at the beginning of winter in April and again in December, young boys go missing. When parents report them, they are later found at initiation schools in Standerton or Balfour farm areas.

“We have discovered syndicates abducting boys to these initiation schools in exchange for money. We are also worried about a new problem of illegal women’s initiation schools, where young girls are also being abducted,” said Mthimunye.

eMbalenhle Police Station commander, Colonel Khuselwa Matrose, confirmed the challenge and said all cases related to illegal initiations are referred to a specialised SAPS team in Witbank.

“This year, police arrested one suspect connected to illegal initiation schools, and he is currently attending court. We strongly discourage this crime,” said Matrose.

Thela added that some individuals falsely claiming to be traditional leaders are intimidating station commanders.

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“We now have a new traditional policing concept, and consultations with legitimate provincial traditional leaders are ongoing. We will arrest all bogus traditional leaders involved in illegal initiation schools.

“And I must warn traditional leaders: GBV cases must not be handled in traditional courts. They must be reported directly to the police,” he emphasised.

Taxi association calls for stricter SAPS recruitment
Vukta deputy chairperson Mzondi Ntuli welcomed Mkhwanazi’s visit, saying it showed that police leadership took their grievances seriously. He also called for stricter vetting of police recruits.

“Some people join SAPS to fulfil their criminal ambitions, not to serve and protect citizens. We request thorough scrutiny during SAPS recruitment,” said Ntuli.

Police management responds
Mkhwanazi said both his office and the national office are aware of the challenges facing eMbalenhle SAPS and pledged support through additional police members and resources. He added that the police are closely monitoring the ongoing cases against eMbalenhle officers arrested for various charges.

Before meeting stakeholders, Mkhwanazi met with the eMbalenhle CPF on November 28 to discuss community concerns about crime. He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the CPF and station management.