Angry residents of Tshikhwani and Madombidzha protested outside the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate's Court on 22 September, demanding that bail not be granted to four suspects they say have been terrorising the community.
The suspects – Khuliso Raphalalani, Ronewa Ratshilingana, Aluwani Madula and Tsepo Mutshinyali – were arrested after they were allegedly caught with stolen goods. They were handed over to the police by members of the community.
During their court appearance on 22 September, Mutshinyali was released on warning, while the other three were remanded in custody until 21 October for a formal bail application.
Outside court, demonstrators called for the suspects' permanent removal from their villages, saying they posed a danger to society.
Mr Chester Nethenzheni, who represented the protesting residents, said locals were suffering as a result of rampant crime. "People are frustrated with the rampant crime in the area, where thugs are robbing and killing people with knives, stealing cables and breaking into homes and businesses," he said.
He accused the police of failing to act. "Thugs have been terrorising the community for a long time, yet the police drag their feet in addressing these problems. All we want is a crime-free village," he said.
Nethenzheni added that the march was meant to send a clear message. "Criminals live among us here in the villages and it is up to us to expose them and to flush them from our midst. We went there to make a statement that all criminals belong in prison. We do not want more people to be the next victims. If these people are granted bail, they might continue with their crime. Let them be locked up forever," he said.
He said residents did not want to see the suspects back in the community. "We need the justice system to make sure that these young men do not get bail," Nethenzheni said.