Residents feel abandoned by law enforcement

LIMPOPO – Many residents from Makorokorong section in Tafelkop outside Groblersdal believe as long as people continue to buy suspected stolen goods, the crime rate in the area will remain high.

Residents in the area say they live in fear as many households have been robbed in recent times and say they do not report these crimes because they feel they cannot depend on the police for help.
The most recent victims of a house robbery in the area are the Nkanunu’s who, in the early hours of Sunday morning, had their residence ransacked by criminals while they were asleep.
The family say they were shocked when they woke up to find a cake, keys to an Audi A4, a cellphone and other valuables missing.
According to Annah Nkanunu, upon further investigation, they found the car was still parked outside but unlocked.
“The perpetrators gained entry into the house through a window,” Nkanunu explains.
Paul Kgalema, owner of the vehicle, has offered a R1 000 reward for anyone who can help track down the keys to his Audi A4.
Kgalema says he did not report the matter to the police because he has lost confidence in law enforcers.
Another victim who was robbed of groceries and R3 000 cash at gunpoint, and did not want her name published, says police have taken away all the trust residents had in them.
Bapeding section headman, Isaac Motshana blames the crime in the area on people who continue to buy stolen goods.
“We appeal to the community to refrain from buying goods without receipts or any proof of ownership. The community must report suspicious people selling goods. People must ensure they don’t leave doors and windows open in the evening,” Motshana warms.
Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said the police will investigate claims made by residents in the area about not getting help when they report cases.
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