Outgoing Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe has raised concern over the high number of rape cases in the Vhembe district, calling for urgent intervention from communities, municipalities and other stakeholders. The stakeholder meeting was held at Higher Grace Church in Mphephu on Thursday, 21 May.
Hadebe addressed stakeholders as she prepares to retire from the South African Police Service after serving for 40 years. During her address, she described Vhembe as one of the province’s most crime-affected areas, particularly in relation to sexual offences.
She said police alone could not solve the problem and called for stronger cooperation between municipalities, community leaders, businesses and civil society organisations. Hadebe said bushy areas where women are often attacked and raped should be cleared and maintained to improve safety.
“All these areas where we find women are dragged and raped must be cleaned,” she said.
She also highlighted concerns about rape statistics in Thohoyandou, saying the area remains among the country’s worst-affected regions for sexual offences.
Hadebe praised businesses and private security companies for supporting police through the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic areas. She said surveillance technology had assisted police in solving criminal cases and strengthening crime-prevention efforts. Hadebe also encouraged churches and civil society organisations to continue supporting vulnerable communities and victims of crime.
Reflecting on her four decades in policing, Hadebe said she had dedicated her youth and energy to the police service.
“I gave this institution my youth, my energy, my sleepless nights and at times my tears,” she said.
Hadebe thanked police officers, community leaders and residents across Limpopo for supporting her throughout her career.
She also acknowledged the emotional toll policing takes on officers, saying many spend nights responding to distressed community members while working to prevent crime and protect lives.