Once too scared to go to school and church, Bushbuckridge residents breathe easier thanks to crimefighters

Residents of Marite in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, have commended the police, the Community Policing Forum, and other relevant stakeholders for their successful efforts in combating crime and gangsterism in the area.

The community members who spoke to The Citizen on Friday said it was the first time they experienced life without being intimidated by the criminals.

“What we are seeing now is amazing, and we are happy about the progress made by the police and the CPF members,” said local teacher Madimetsa Leshilo.

“There were times when we were even afraid to go outside of the houses. Schools, churches and the local liquor outlets were forced to shut down because of the gangsters who were attacking us every day.

“Now we can go to the taverns, and those going to church are also able to. There was a time when we were even afraid of going to school because we were attacked and robbed by criminals.

“As a community, we would like to thank the police and the CPF members, as theirs is a police visibility and the patrollers are working at night to make sure that we are safe,” said Leshilo.

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A job well done

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdluli said they were so happy to see the community commending them for a job well done.

Mdluli said the success was also attributed to the community members for being brave and coming forward to testify against dangerous criminals.

“Without the assistance of the residents, we would not have won this fight. Our detectives really appreciate the community members for working closely with them.

“We urge the public to continue to work with the police to make sure that the situation continues to be as calm as it is now. The community must continue to report any crime, no matter how small it is or who committed the crime, even if the suspect is a police officer.

“We have also noticed that many community members are now involved in patrolling the area,” said Mdluli.

A community united

CPF leader in Bohlabela District Municipality Jupita Malumane said what happened in Marite can be attributed to the community members and the police. 

“The community members of Bushbuckridge played a vital role in this win. This shows that when the community is united, nothing can stand in their way.

“I urge other communities to emulate the residents of Bushbuckridge. They mobilised and worked with the police to make sure that their area was safe.

“No one can come and solve your problems. You must stand up and confront the criminals.”

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