Wild Coast – Residents from Xhora Mouth and surrounding villages in the Wild Coast, Eastern Cape, are voicing their frustration over what they view as a lack of action from the police in response to mounting violent crime.
“For several months, we, as communities on the Wild Coast, have informed authorities about a surge in violent crime affecting Xhora Mouth and adjacent areas,” stated Clayton Morar, a spokesperson for the affected locals.
On September 5, 2024, over 350 residents marched to the Elliotdale Police Station demanding prompt intervention.
“Despite our numerous reports, detailed information about suspects, and provided case numbers to the South African Police Services (SAPS), no arrests have been made in Xhora Mouth, leaving us feeling sidelined,” Morar added.
“With the holiday season approaching and the potential for increased crime, our feeling of safety is rapidly diminishing.”
In Mdumbi, recent arrests have brought a glimmer of hope, but those suspects are currently out on bail, and their cases are likely to drag on in the courts for years.
What actions can rural communities take to secure 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… we live in constant fear, our livelihoods are being destroyed, and tourism—the economic lifeblood of the region—is at severe risk,” said Morar.
“This stems from a broader crime wave affecting the region, extending from Mthatha.”
“Despite these crimes being documented publicly, even receiving national attention from Carte Blanche, SAPS has yet to take decisive action or secure any arrests.”
“We continually hear from SAPS that certain cases are being handled at the provincial level and are out of their control.”
“They also claim that the community’s unwillingness to serve as informants or witnesses hampers their ability to make arrests.”
Nevertheless, Gareth Newham, a crime and policing expert from the Institute for Security Studies, has rejected SAPS’s justifications.
“To make an arrest, all SAPS requires is a signed affidavit from the victim identifying the perpetrator/s,” he explained to the Equality Collective.
What might be causing this lack of action?
Ntsikelelo Mbangasini, the Headman of Nqileni Village, has called for a peaceful festive season in the community.
“As many people will return home from other cities along with tourists, we want to enjoy a festive season free from crime, so we request that these criminals be caught,” urged Headman Mbangasini.
While Morar acknowledges some progress since the September march through discussions with SAPS—including the establishment of a mobile police station and enhanced patrolling—he remains doubtful.
A Community Policing Forum has also been created and trained by SAPS, bolstering local crime prevention efforts.
However, Morar pointed out that these initiatives “feel insubstantial without tangible outcomes.”
“Community members worry that these efforts are merely for appearance’s sake,” Morar stated.
“We still have pressing inquiries. Why are arrests not being made? What steps can we, as rural communities, take to ensure our own safety?”
“As the festive season approaches—a time for family reunions, cultural festivities, and tourism—the residents of Xhora Mouth demand urgent action.”
Morar stressed that SAPS and the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner must act swiftly to apprehend the known suspects and restore safety in the area.
“They should ensure that dedicated investigators are allocated to the region for two years to stabilize the crime situation, along with the dispatch of prosecutors,” urged Morar.
“Moreover, they need to collaborate with the Department of Justice to expedite these cases.”
The police have yet to provide a response.
