By Emily Mgidi
Death came calling in Dube, Soweto on Wednesday morning when the body of a young woman in her early 20s was discovered with her throat slit.
It is suspected that she may have been raped as well.
In interviews with Scrolla.Africa, residents complained that dead bodies are found every second or third day in their area and it dampens their desire to fight crime. They feel helpless and feel that law enforcement are not doing enough to arrest and prosecute criminals.
During the weekend of 27-29 May 2023 at least five people were shot in different parts of Dube.
A local fuel station was targeted in a business robbery and a safe was blown up.
In spite of the rampant crime, there are rarely any convictions or arrests.
In the absence of effective law enforcement, incidents of mob justice have been reported, and sometimes not reported, as residents take matters into their own hands.
The impact of the rampant crime rate is seen as major businesses have left the central business district of Ward 38, affecting employment opportunities for local residents.
Lungisani Motha, whose sister, Duducile Motha, was robbed and shot dead on her way to work, expressed frustration with the lack of progress in the case. “They are always telling us that investigations are ongoing.”
T Lungisani, emphasised the need to fight crime and address the issue of complacent police, warning that a climate of fear exists as people confine themselves to their own homes.
Elderly resident Elizabeth Mofokeng was robbed of her pension money. She said she was approached by two young men who seemed to want to help her but then stole her money and groceries.
Ntsoaki Phali, a member of the Neighborhood Watch, revealed that in the past three weeks alone, 11 bodies have been discovered in their area.
The Dube Neighbourhood Watch, Ward 38 Council, Ward 38 Community Development 2, and the Public Safety Ward Committee are all collaborating with the Soweto Parliament and Ward 38 Safety Cluster teams to organise a healing dialogue and prayer session.
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, assured the people that the police are actively investigating the cases.
He advised those dissatisfied with the progress to engage with the station commander, who would provide necessary assistance.
Pictured above: Residents of Dube at a meeting to discuss criminal activities in their area
