With crime on the rise in Madombidzha, which falls under the Tshilwavhusiku policing area, residents have started patrolling the streets at night themselves. This led to the capture of an alleged cable thief on Thursday, 19 March.
The suspect was caught burning electrical cables by community members during a night patrol. Believed to be a local resident, he was apprehended between 03:00 and 03:30. He reportedly faced the wrath of an angry mob before police arrived.
Residents say their village is no longer peaceful, with most crimes occurring at night. Common incidents include robberies, house break-ins and the theft of electricity cables, which are often sold as scrap metal. This has left many households without electricity for extended periods.
According to the acting Vhembe police spokesperson, Capt Vuledzani Dathi, the suspect is known in the area not only for alleged copper cable theft but also for stealing brass taps. He was allegedly found burning cables at his home, and several cables were recovered after community members handed him over to police.
Community leader Mr Patrick Sikhutshi said residents are fed up with the ongoing crime. “Day in and day out, we wake up to house break-ins and cable theft. In recent times, there has been a surge in incidents involving stolen cables and copper. We no longer sleep peacefully, as we have to patrol the streets as soon as the electricity goes off. We have come to realise that criminals monitor our movements and operate without fear,” he said.