DailySun
Wild Coast – Residents of Xhora Mouth and nearby communities in the Wild Coast, Eastern Cape, are voicing their frustration over what they see as police inaction in response to rising violent crime.
“For several months, we, the communities on the Wild Coast, have alerted authorities about the surge of violent crime impacting Xhora Mouth and its vicinity,” said Clayton Morar, a representative for the concerned residents.
On September 5, 2024, more than 350 community members marched to the Elliotdale Police Station to demand swift action.
“Despite filing multiple reports, providing detailed information about suspects, and giving clear case numbers to the South African Police Services (SAPS), there have been no arrests in Xhora Mouth, which leaves us feeling overlooked,” Morar added.
“As the festive season approaches, our sense of security is waning with the anticipated rise in crime.”
In Mdumbi, recent arrests offered a glimmer of hope, but those detainees have already been released on bail, and their cases might drag on in court for years.
What actions can rural communities take to ensure their safety?
Morar noted that since February 2024, a notorious gang has committed at least six armed robberies, kidnappings, and vehicle thefts along the 20 km stretch between Bulungula and Coffee Bay.
“The result is that we are engulfed in fear, our livelihoods are devastated, and tourism—the economic lifeline of the area—is severely jeopardized,” Morar expressed.
“This is part of a larger crime wave impacting the region, extending from Mthatha.”
“Even with these crimes reported in public, including national coverage by Carte Blanche, SAPS has yet to take decisive action or make arrests.”
“SAPS continually reassures us that some cases are being handled at the provincial level and are ‘out of their jurisdiction’.”
“They also mention the community’s hesitation to serve as informants or witnesses as obstacles to making arrests.”
However, Gareth Newham, a crime and policing specialist from the Institute for Security Studies, has rejected SAPS’s justification.
“To make an arrest, SAPS only needs a signed statement from the victim identifying the offender/s,” he explained to the Equality Collective.
What might be causing this inaction?
Ntsikelelo Mbangasini, the Headman of Nqileni Village, has called for a peaceful festive season in the community.
“As many people return home from various cities, along with tourists, we want to enjoy the festive season without the fear of crime, so we insist that these criminals be caught,” Headman Mbangasini urged.
Although Morar acknowledged some progress has been made since the September march through community engagement with SAPS—including establishing a mobile police station and increasing patrols—he remains doubtful.
A Community Policing Forum has also been initiated and trained by SAPS, bolstering local crime prevention strategies.
Nevertheless, Morar pointed out that these measures “seem superficial without tangible outcomes.”
“Community members are anxious that these initiatives are merely for appearances,” Morar stated.
“We still have many unanswered questions. Why aren’t arrests occurring? What can we, as rural communities, do to safeguard ourselves?”
“As the festive season approaches—a time for family reunions, cultural festivities, and tourism—the residents of Xhora Mouth demand immediate action.”
Morar urged that SAPS and the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner must act promptly to apprehend the identified suspects and restore safety in the area.
“They must ensure that specialist investigators are assigned to the region for two years to stabilize the crime situation, along with deploying prosecutors,” Morar insisted.
“Additionally, they should work together to expedite these cases with the Department of Justice.”
The police have yet to provide a response.
