By OBAKENG MAJE
13 March 2025- It seems the infamous Magogong village, near Taung, has a significant problem with crime, particularly violent crime, with a high rate of murder, robbery and assault. Recently, the community members were prompted by the situation to embark on a peaceful march and submitted a memorandum of demand to the Taung Police Station.
One of community leaders, Mosetsanagape Blom said, their village has turned into a notorious gangster paradise and they do not feel safe anymore in their homes. Blom alleged that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has failed in executing their constitutional obligation.
“Many incidents have been reported to the police with no responses. You will remember the famous case of Oratile Mothibi, who went missing back in 2022, after being abducted.
“As we speak, the case has gone cold. We demand that the case be reopened and assigned to a properly trained detective. The case falls under Gender-Based Violence (GBV) related crimes,” she said.
Blom further said, there was another case involving a minor, Rethabile Molapo (13). She added that Molapo was kidnapped, killed and partially burned before being thrown into a pit toilet.
“Also, the investigations yield no positive results. We demand that the investigating officer in the matter be removed as he lacks compassion, dedication, professionalism and respect. He consistently fails to report to the deceased’s parents regarding the progress of the investigation,” said Blom.
She said they are disgruntled after the police arrested seven community members, who were accused of burning the traditional healer to death. Blom said the crime was committed by community members in retaliation.
“So, it is injustice to keep those arrested in detention for crimes committed by the community. Therefore, we demand that they be released immediately from detention as their release is in the best interest of the community,” she said.
Recently, a man was arrested for allegedly killing his mother with a spade, while a woman was nabbed for allegedly killing a man, whom they accused of stealing a Jojo tank.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “Even though there was a general decrease in crime, contact related crimes increased by 2.3%. Malicious damage to property contributed most cases which are 1969 cases.
“This is 48 more cases compared to the previous year, which is a 2.5% increase.”
The Guardian 