A state of fear grips several villages in northern KwaZulu-Natal as residents report a surge in violent home invasions and burglaries, with victims accusing the police of failing to protect them or investigate the crimes.
The crisis has seen a brazen criminal gang specifically target vulnerable individuals, leaving a trail of traumatized victims. One such victim, Ntombi Tembe, recounted a harrowing four-hour ordeal that began on the night of August 8th when five armed young men broke into her home.
“I will never forget that day. Every time I think about it, I’m traumatized,” Tembe stated. “I don’t even care about my belongings that they stole. But it’s the humiliation of being stripped naked by young boys.”
Living alone, her only protection was a burglar gate, which proved insufficient. She described being overpowered, beaten continuously, and having a gun held to her head as the thieves ransacked her house. She cried out, fearing for her life and praying she would not be violated after the assailants threatened to rape and kill her.
“I was beaten by a child and not only strangled. They beat me up badly. My body is bruised all over. I’ll never forget what they did to me,” she said, her body still trembling from the trauma. After the attackers left, she ran for help with only a blanket to cover herself.
Tembe is one of countless victims targeted by the same gang. In a neighboring village, Phumzile Vilane, a street vendor, says her home has been broken into at least seven times. Each robbery cripples her ability to earn a living and provide for her young family.
“The police aren’t helping us at all,” Vilane alleged. “Even when the community caught these gangs and they confessed their crimes, the police did nothing. And when our stolen goods were recovered and taken by police, it’s a terrible situation. Our goods are with the police. Yet, no one has been arrested.”
According to locals, there were no less than ten break-ins in August alone. The community claims the local police station is ill-equipped to deal with the crime wave, citing a critical lack of manpower and resources. Despite victims providing case numbers, they report a complete lack of progress in the investigations, even though the identities of the gang members are allegedly known to both the community and the police.
The South African Police Service did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations. For the residents of Ngwavuma, the siege continues with no relief in sight.
