A group of law-abiding Zimbabweans residing in and around Tshikota have taken a zero-tolerance stance against any criminal activities in the area - especially crime committed by Zimbabwean nationals who choose not to abide by the laws of the country.
This follows an unfortunate incident near Elim a few weeks ago when four Zimbabweans, accused of stealing copper cables and solar panels, were burnt to death by community members who had become fed-up with suffering at the hands of criminals.
The group of law-abiders now want to send out a warning to their fellow Zimbabweans from around the Tshikota area to desist from any kind of criminal activities. Early last Sunday morning (16 October), the group gathered at the Masedi Primary School grounds, joined by residents from the area as well.
Two committees were established last year to deal with crime, namely the Elderly Group, which is meant to give advice before any issue gets out of hand, and the Disciplinary Group, which deals in "disciplining" any Zimbabwean citizen who gets caught in criminal activity. After disciplining the individual, the group must make sure that the individual leaves South Africa.
"We really would like to live in harmony with the locals, so any criminal activity perpetrated by a fellow Zimbabwean should be dealt with accordingly. We are warning those who sell scrap to not involve themselves in theft or any other form of crime. We also urge fellow Zimbabweans not to buy just anything off the streets as a lot of stuff sold on the streets is stolen," said Joseph Maposa, one of the Zimbabwean leaders, who lives in Tshikota.
Maposa said that foreigners often labelled South Africans as xenophobic, but that this was not true. "No-one would want to live around people who involve themselves in crime all the time. So, as Zimbabweans, let us take very decisive action against those who are found guilty of wrongdoings," said Maposa.
Vhutshilo Manwadu, a member of the anti-crime group, encouraged other Zimbabweans to also join in the fight against crime. "The group patrols the streets of Tshikota throughout the night. We can really use more patrollers to join us," said Manwadu. He asked the Zimbabwean residents from the area to help their cause by contributing R20 every month for fuel for those who patrol at night.