MSHOLOZI – Criminal activities ranging from rape to house robberies are becoming the order of the day and are fast growing in this informal settlement which was declared to be a township a year ago.
Last week alone two children aged 11 and 14 were reportedly raped in their homes by close relatives. On July 14 the aunt of the 14-year-old reported the matter of her niece being raped by her stepdad to the White River Police.
It is alleged that it had been going on for a while with the mother’s knowledge but
she couldn’t report her partner because her family depended on him for the provision
of the household. A day later an 11-year-old girl was reported to have been raped by her
own father and was brought to the police station after her mother suspected that there
was something strange about the conduct of her daughter.
WO Gugu Phiri confirmed the incidents and indicated that both rape cases were under police investigation. “Both accused have been arrested, appeared in court and investigations still continue,” she said.
Mpumalanga News has also learnt from the police that Msholozi Village is becoming a massive issue with the escalating rate of criminal activities which even happens in
broad daylight. Last week angry members of the community demanded that a 32-year-old
Mozambican man leave the area after being accused of giving shelter to criminals in his
home.
Of late, a number of houses in Section A, B and D had been broken into during the
day while their owners were either away during the day and some at night. In most cases food, groceries and laundry were the common items stolen. A 36-year-old victim’s shack was recently broken into and she found all her groceries missing and only three empty bottles
