More than 100 residents from Elim and nearby villages braved the rain on Friday, 13 March, to march to the Waterval Police Station demanding action against violent crime.
The march followed the killing of Glen Nkuna (38), whose body was discovered next to the gate of Elim Hospital at about 03:00 on Sunday, 8 March. His death came a month after the body of Tivani Maluleke (41) from Mbhokota village was found in Mahonisi village near Elim on 7 February.
Community members gathered at Elim Mall and walked about 2.4 kilometres to the police station to hand over a memorandum. The protest reflected growing anger over violent crime and unresolved murder cases in the area. Residents said several investigations had remained unresolved for years.
“Our sisters and brothers are being killed and nothing is done,” said one of the protesters.
Community members also raised concerns about drug use and crime around Elim Hospital. They alleged that informal shacks near the hospital are used to sell drugs such as nyaope and crystal meth.
One of the marchers, Basani Chauke, said drug dealers operate openly. “Those who sell illegal cigarettes no longer even run from the police. We see them approaching police officers and offering bribes. Nyaope users are hiding in the shacks that are everywhere in Elim,” Chauke said.
Organiser Tiyani Khosa said the Waterval police station lacks resources. “The station is responsible for more than 140 villages but it has only a few vans,” he said. Residents also expressed frustration about bail being granted in serious violent crime cases.
During the march, residents handed over a memorandum to Waterval station commander Colonel Takalani Madzhiligili. They said they were living in constant fear as break-ins, stabbings and shootings had become common.
The memorandum called for more police vehicles and officers, 24-hour visible patrols in crime hotspots and the establishment of a satellite police station. Residents also asked the municipality to install high-mast lighting, audit liquor licences and inspect informal structures suspected of facilitating crime.
After receiving the memorandum, Madzhiligili said the concerns would be escalated to the relevant authorities.
Residents also alleged that Chief Hlekani Mukhari Njhakanjhaka III of the Njhakanjhaka Tribal Council had issued Permissions to Occupy (PTOs) for liquor outlets and other structures without proper municipal authorisation.
Responding to the allegations, the chief said he was disappointed that the issues were raised publicly before being discussed with the traditional authority.
“I have not been formally consulted or approached by any structure raising these issues,” he said.
He added that informal traders at Elim Market were historically allowed to operate there and that a development process involving a company called Twin City is under way.
Njhakanjhaka denied issuing PTOs for traders. “No one has been issued with a PTO from our office. Such statements are misleading,” he said.
He also rejected claims that he prioritises profit over residents’ safety. “It is an insult to say that I prioritise profit over the lives of the people,” he said.
He said that if the municipality believes traders are not complying with its by-laws, it has the authority to enforce them, and residents with concerns should raise them directly with the traditional council.