Fed-up township residents clear bush used by crooks
MDANTSANE residents have been clearing bush in the community after a number of crimes, including a pregnant woman being raped on her way to a local clinic.
Victims in Zone 1 and Zone 2 have opened criminal cases including murder, rape and robbery at the Zone 1 police station, alleging criminals are launching attacks from bushy areas in the suburb.
Concerned residents clearing areas in both zones blamed Buffalo City Metro (BCM) for failing to clean up the bush areas.
“We have been reporting to our councillor about the crime that happens in this bush but nothing has been done,” community organiser Phillip Tsotso said. “It is home to criminals; they target us in the morning and evening every day.”
Tsotso said residents decided to clear the bush after the pregnant woman was raped while she going to the clinic for a check-up.
Over the years bodies have been found in the bush including that of leading East London boxing trainer Babalo Mpofu in 2007.
Mpofu’s mother Bukelwa told the Dispatch last week that she was happy residents were doing something to protect the community.
“I’m still hurting from losing my son; he was found stabbed and murdered in this bush. No one has been arrested,” Bukelwa said. “I hope the residents’ work on the project avoids more deaths in this bush.”
Mdantsane police sector coordinator, Warrant Officer Ayanda Ndiyakrokra, said following the reported cases the police had partnered with communities to cut the bushes.
The department of correctional services would be sending “some of their inmates” to assist with the clean-up.
“Sometimes we recover stolen goods in these bushes ... this project is important,” Ndiyakrokra added.
Another victim of crime in the area, Ntombizodwa Yekani, said: “I was held at knife and gunpoint.
“Two men came out of nowhere from this bush and robbed me. I cried but no one came out to help me because people are also scared for their lives.”
BCM ward councillor Senduku Maphuka said crime in the area was rife. “It’s true, they have reported the cases to me and I reported to the municipality and the police but nothing has been done,” he said.
“BCM is also starting a project, cutting the notorious bushes, but I don't know when they will start and because of that I have encouraged the residents to clean for their own safety.” —