Community members in Thohoyandou have raised serious concerns about police inaction in handling crimes such as murder, corruption, theft, and house robberies. The complaints came during the "Case Closed Campaign" hosted at Healing Ministry Church in Makwarela Extension 3 on 16 May.
The event, aimed at fostering cooperation between the government and communities in the fight against crime, heard testimony from Ms Shallot Tshabuse, a traffic officer and survivor of a violent house robbery.
Tshabuse recounted how, on 12 March 2025, intruders broke into her secure home, tied her up at gunpoint, and demanded money, phones, PINs and her firearm. "They told me they knew I was a traffic officer and that I had money because I rented out rooms. They even took my church regalia and threatened to kill me," she said. She later identified one of the suspects with the help of neighbours and CCTV footage, but claims the case has stalled.
Several residents echoed her frustration, citing poor investigations, neglect of reported cases, and the closure of satellite police stations.
In response, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe acknowledged the challenges and committed to action. "I will reopen the closed satellite station and provide a third vehicle for traditional policing," she said.
Hadebe also promised that ritual murder cases would be prioritised and that unresolved cases would be reviewed. "Officers who fail to uphold their duties will be held accountable," she said, urging communities to form neighbourhood watches and support traditional policing structures.
She concluded by calling for united action against gender-based violence and femicide and stressed the importance of police visibility in curbing crime.