Wild Coast – Residents of Xhora Mouth and surrounding villages in the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast are voicing their frustration regarding what they see as police inaction in the face of rising violent crime.

“For several months, we as communities on the Wild Coast have alerted the authorities to the violent crime wave impacting Xhora Mouth and adjacent areas,” remarked Clayton Morar, a representative for the concerned residents.

On September 5, 2024, over 350 residents marched to the Elliotdale Police Station to demand urgent action.

“We have filed numerous reports, provided detailed information about suspects, and shared clear case numbers with the South African Police Services (SAPS), yet no arrests have been made in Xhora Mouth, leaving us feeling overlooked,” Morar added.

“As the festive season approaches, the likelihood of rising crime is causing our sense of security to diminish.”

In Mdumbi, recent arrests offered a glimmer of hope, but those suspects are now out on bail, facing cases that may take years to resolve in court.

What steps can rural communities take to ensure their safety?

Morar pointed out 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… We are overwhelmed with fear, our livelihoods are in tatters, and tourism—the economic backbone of the region—is under significant threat,” Morar expressed.

“This is part of a broader crime wave affecting the area, extending from Mthatha.”

“Despite these crimes being publicly reported, including national coverage by Carte Blanche, SAPS has yet to take decisive action or make any arrests.”

“We continually receive assurances from SAPS that certain cases are being handled at the provincial level and are ‘beyond their control’.”

“They also point to the community’s hesitance to act as informants or witnesses as obstacles to making arrests.”

However, Gareth Newham, a crime and policing expert from the Institute for Security Studies, has dismissed SAPS’s justifications.

“For SAPS to make an arrest, all that’s needed is a signed affidavit from the victim identifying the perpetrator(s),” he explained to the Equality Collective.

What might be causing this inaction?

Ntsikelelo Mbangasini, the Headman of Nqileni Village, is advocating for a peaceful festive season in the village.

“With many people returning from other cities, along with tourists, we want to celebrate the festive season free from the threat of crime, and we call for the apprehension of these criminals,” urged Headman Mbangasini.

While Morar acknowledged that some progress has been made since the September march through dialogue with SAPS—including the establishment of a mobile police station and increased patrols—he remains doubtful.

A Community Policing Forum has also been created and trained by SAPS, enhancing local crime prevention efforts.

However, Morar noted that these initiatives “seem superficial without tangible results.”

“Community members are worried that these measures are merely for appearances,” Morar stated.

“We still have pressing questions. Why aren’t arrests happening? What can we, as rural communities, do to secure our safety?”

“As the festive season approaches—a time for family gatherings, cultural festivities, and tourism—the residents of Xhora Mouth are calling for immediate action.”

Morar emphasized that SAPS and the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner must act quickly to apprehend the identified suspects and restore safety in the area.

“They need to ensure that specialist investigators are assigned to the region for a two-year period to stabilize the crime situation, alongside the deployment of prosecutors,” urged Morar.

“Moreover, they should work together to expedite these cases with the Department of Justice.”

The police have yet to respond to these concerns.