Community members in Kabokweni have called for increased police intervention to address safety concerns, particularly regarding sexual violence, as Mpumalanga’s Acting Police Commissioner, Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, revealed the province’s latest crime statistics.
While the province recorded a 10% decrease in 17 community-reported serious crimes, sexual assault and rape cases remain alarmingly high, with a 14.2% increase—an additional 128 cases compared to the previous reporting period.
Kabokweni Police Station Reports Highest Sexual Assault Cases
The Kabokweni Police Station has seen the highest number of sexual assault cases in the province this year. Residents expressed fear and frustration, citing delayed police response times and unresolved cases.
A recent tragedy has further shaken the community: Given Musimango, a 31-year-old woman from Kabokweni, was raped and killed while celebrating her birthday.
“As a woman, when you knock off from work and get home late, you have fear because you know that one of these days, you might get raped,” one resident said. “Lately, when criminals break in, they rape women, and sometimes the victims don’t get justice. The case just ends up unresolved. We don’t feel safe at all.”
Another resident highlighted the vulnerability of children: “It’s so painful when they rape kids. As adults, we feel sad as well. I wish they could deal with this.”
Police Acknowledge the Crisis, Promise Action
Acting Commissioner Mkhwanazi admitted that sexual offenses remain a major challenge, with many cases involving relatives and acquaintances.
“Here we have uncles committing these offenses. Here we have relatives committing these offenses. It’s so difficult, but we are going to work on it,” he said.
Despite the rise in sexual crimes, Mkhwanazi noted that Mpumalanga has a high conviction rate, with perpetrators receiving heavy sentences, including double life terms in some cases.
Community Policing and Collaboration Needed
Mkhwanazi pledged that police would work closely with community members and civil organizations to combat rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence.
However, residents remain skeptical, citing slow police response times. “The police in this area are not quick to respond when called. They only attend to our issues after an hour. Personally, I don’t feel safe here,” one woman said.
As Mpumalanga grapples with this persistent crisis, the demand for visible policing, faster response times, and justice for victims grows louder in Kabokweni and beyond.