eMBALENHLE – Local women from various organisations such as churches, non-profit organisations and political parties took to the street to protest against women and child abuse in the area.
This came after the abduction and murder of Lerato (Rato) Nkutha. Her body was found on 9 May in Ext 15. It was dumped in a yard near the main road after she was reported missing on 7 May at about 4.30pm.
Rato was the second girl of the same age who was murdered in her family.
Also read: [BREAKING NEWS] Missing girl (11) found murdered in Extension 15, eMbalenhle
Concerned residents marched to eMbalenhle Police Station to hand over a memorandum that was received by Lt Col Victor Mnguni on 25 May.
They told the police they were fed up with the killings, abductions, raping and assault of women and children in the area.
They said the police should stop telling them to wait 24 hours before they can open a missing person case.
The women also complained about not being given privacy when they report rape or assault cases.
Ms Tracy Seimela, community member, said the community was not pleased with the performance of the police and the shortage of vehicles.
“We have noted with concern that little is being done in the rape cases that were reported to the police.
“In most cases the culprits are not apprehended due to the incompetence of the police.
“The crime rate increases daily in eMbalenhle. What are the police doing about that?
“Some police officials are corrupt and take bribes from suspects. We are calling on the station management to look into that.
“We are also demanding that a police station is built in eMbalenhle South and that officers should respond swiftly when crime is reported.
“The community is ready to help the police to fight crime, but we should remain anonymous.”
Lt Col Mnguni commended the women for standing up against crime and for marching peacefully.
He promised that the police would look into the concerns of the residents and would respond soon.
While the march was underway, police officers were on the lookout for Noxolo Sboniso Ndlangamandla who was reported missing on 24 May.
It is alleged that she had left home for school and never returned.
She was however found unharmed in Ext 20 at the house of a family friend.
“At this stage it is still unclear how she got there,” said Lt Col Mnguni.
“We interviewed all the implicated parties, but nothing made sense.
“We are pleased that the child was reunited with her family.
“We will continue with the investigation until we get to the bottom of this.”
