Hundreds of members from the Indian community in Vhembe, joined by other concerned residents, marched through the streets of Thohoyandou to the local magistrate's court to highlight their anger against the continued spate of crime. The march was conducted during the appearance of the two suspects arrested in connection with the recent kidnapping of 19-year-old Zaid Kapadia from Sibasa.
The suspects, Phumudzo Nemutudi (27) and Thompho Mudau (25), both from Thohoyandou Block F, appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 21 June, on charges of aggravated robbery, kidnapping, hijacking, and rape.
Crimes such as robberies and kidnappings have escalated immensely, especially in the Indian business community.
Kapadia was kidnapped on his way to the shops on Friday, 16 June, and was rescued by the police on Sunday, 18 June, while members of the Thohoyandou SAPS were busy tracing a stolen car at a house in Ngovhela village, which happened to be the same house where Kapadia was being held captive. The suspects fled the scene, but bowing to the pressure from their families, later handed themselves over to the police.
During their brief appearance before Magistrate Mukoma Maiwashe on Wednesday, their case was postponed to 3 July for a formal bail application. They remain in custody.
Before the hearing commenced, the protesters were waving placards with "No bail" and "Enough is enough" written on them, while chanting loudly. Only two community leaders were allowed to submit their memorandums detailing their demands to the court, and only family members and a few community leaders were allowed to attend the court hearing. Throughout it all, a heavy police presence was maintained.
Afterwards, the Indian community's youth leader, whose identity is being kept confidential for safety reasons, said they were there to support the family and to influence the court not to grant bail to the suspects. "Ours is a peaceful march to highlight our plight and make a powerful statement. We have had enough of crime, especially the spate of robberies and kidnappings that have become a daily occurrence. We are here to say enough is enough and to plead with the court not to grant bail to the suspects as they continue committing crime while on bail."
The youth leader further indicated that they were humbled by the unwavering support they were getting from the community of Thohoyandou, who had shown that they were all tired of the ongoing crime. "We are calling on all who are concerned about crime to join us on the 3rd of July (next hearing) to come and oppose bail for these criminals. We must gather and stand as one in our quest for justice. This will be the mother of all marches, and we are hopeful the whole community will support us in this," he said.