WATCH: Tshikota residents march against rise in crime

A group of roughly 100 Tshikota residents marched to the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court on 17 December to hand over a memorandum of concerns. The march was organized by the Tshikota Anti-crime Group that was formed a month ago.

The group’s members patrol Tshikota township at night and assist the police in apprehending criminals. Residents claim that the crime rate is increasing even though the police are doing their best to bring the perpetrators to book. They claim the courts are not protecting the residents as perpetrators of various crimes committed in Tshikota are often seen walking free even after several arrests.

The protesters sighted an example of a man who pointed a gun at community leaders but was seen walking free, even though the case was investigated by the Makhado SAPS. The perpetrator, according to the residents, targets anyone staying in Tshikota.

“We are always awakened by guns shooting in Tshikota. Cases against these gun-wielding guys have been opened, but we do not see any justice in the cases. In some instances, community members withdraw cases against these gunmen, fearing for their lives. It seems we are a now heading towards a gangster-driven community. We as a community do not tolerate these guys’ behaviour,” said Adam Manari, chairperson of the Tshikota Anti-crime Group.

Reverend Joseph Maphosa, a leader of a group of Zimbabweans living in Tshikota, said they had joined hands with the locals in fighting crime. “Crime does not choose whether one is a local or a foreigner,” he said.

The memorandum was received by the acting head of the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court, Mr Bennie Smith. He signed the memorandum and promised to respond within 14 days.

Date:22 December 2021

By: Bernard Chiguvare

Bernard Chiguvare is a Zimbabwean-born journalist. He writes mainly for the online publication, Groundup.

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