Elmon Tshikhudo
Worried about being wrongfully accused of a serious crime, a group of brickmakers came up with a plan to make the area safer, clear their names and make business boom again.
A sharp uptick in crime in the areas of Maniini and Thohoyandou in Limpopo have made life increasingly difficult for local residents.
Those targeted included joggers and commuters on their way to work, who were being robbed of valuables.
People were beginning to suspect the local mortar brickmakers who ply their trade around the nearby bushes, which was an area in which many of the crimes had taken place.
The brickmakers claimed innocence, but locals were still suspicious.
And to make matters worse, their businesses were also struggling because their customers were too scared to come into the area.
So, to kill two birds with one stone, the group organised patrols to keep the area safe and clear their names, and their efforts eventually paid off.
On Tuesday morning, with the help of community members, they cornered two suspects soon after thieves had shot a man in the foot. When searched, the men were found with a loaded firearm in their possession.
One of the brickmakers said they are making an honest living and were in no way involved in the spate of crimes. But they were worried that they were accused of being criminals.
“We came with this plan to clear our names and to gain the confidence of the community and our customers,” he said.
“I’m happy that the suspects were caught by our members before the community arrived.”
Community leader Eric Maravha said crime has become a big problem in the areas next to the Phangami and Thavhani shopping malls.
“We are in hell here. We are happy that the suspects have been found and arrested,” he said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed two suspects were cornered by community members soon after shooting a 25-year-old in the foot.
Mojapelo also confirmed that an attempted murder, as well as charges for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition were opened, and the suspects are now behind bars.
