THULAMAHASHE residents say they are living in fear as tsotsis have resurfaced in their kasi.
During a lengthy meeting at the Thulamahashe Old Stadium near Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, residents claimed that they intended to contribute money to buy pitbulls and establish vigilant community groups to fight tsotsi in the area.
Other residents threatened to take the law into their own hands, alleging that cops are dragging their feet in dealing with crime.
This follows a spade of escalating crimes such as house breakings and robbery, business robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and GBV reported during load shedding in recent days.
Prince Matlhabane, EFF’s branch chairman, supported by Ward Councilor Shadow Hlatshwayo, revealed numerous complaints from residents targeted by criminals even in broad daylight.
"We are targeted and robbed by criminals. They sometimes kidnap and rape minors. On both matters now, two suspects who are security guards of a prominent security company stationed in Dwarsloop have been arrested and denied bail.
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"Recently, three victims were kidnapped, and their car was taken by a gang of tsotsis armed with guns. Luckily, they escaped unharmed after being forced onto the bushes towards Kruger National Park Phabili gate," he said.
Matlhabane said a SuperSpar store at Thulamahashe Shopping Mall was also robbed by a group of tsotsis.
"We have soldiers and a cop shop around, but they're doing nothing. This is shocking that it is only this kasi without an active community policing forum," he said.
He said the landlords must introduce and register all their people at their rented rooms, so it would help reduce crime.
Mpumalanga police spokesman Colonel Donald Mdhluli acknowledged that there is a challenge of crime in the area of Mhala, and said the management at the station is working hard to address this challenge.
"In December 2023, due to the influx of people as a contributing factor to crime, the station experienced some challenges with regard to contact crimes however currently the situation has been normalized," he said.
In addressing the issue of resources, Mdhluli said resources can never be an excuse.
"Though one can not dispute the challenges thereof. Members of the police are expected to carry out their duties in spite of all the challenges that they face hence the sign of an Aloe in the Police Badge," he said.
Mdhluli said the management confirms that there is an active structure of Community Police Forum and there are sector crime forum structures in all the four sectors being policed by the Mhala Police Station.
