More than 100 residents from Elim and nearby villages in Limpopo braved the rain on Friday morning to march to the Waterval Police Station, demanding police take firmer action against violent crime.
Community members gathered at Elim Mall and walked more than two kilometres to the police station, where they handed over a memorandum calling for increased policing and improved safety measures.
The march comes days after the murder of 38-year-old Elim resident Glen Nkuna. His body was discovered next to the gate of Elim Hospital at about 3am on Sunday, 8 March. According to a police statement, emergency medical services declared Nkuna dead at the scene.
Police have opened a murder case and say the motive is still unknown.
Residents say Nkuna’s death reflects broader safety concerns in the area.
In their memorandum, residents demanded more police vehicles and officers, 24-hour visible patrols in crime hotspots, and a satellite police station.
They also called on the municipality to install high-mast lighting, audit liquor licences, and inspect informal structures suspected of facilitating crime.
Community members also raised concerns about alleged drug use and crime around Elim Hospital.
March organiser Tiyani Khosa said the Waterval police station lacked resources.
“The station is responsible for more than 140 villages, but it has only a few vans,” he said.
Residents say they are living in constant fear as break-ins, stabbings and shootings have become common.
During the march, residents handed the memorandum to Waterval station commander Colonel Takalani Madzhiligili, who said the concerns would be communicated to the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, five suspects linked to Nkuna’s death briefly appeared in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The accused are aged 16 to 19.
The matter was postponed to 18 March, when bail applications are expected to be heard.
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Ineffective governance: Inefficient and ineffective governance structures.
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