Limpopo Police Commissioner Lt General Thembi Habede urges community members of Mopani and Vhembe Districts to be extra vigilant this festive season of a lose serial rapist.
Speaking at the Gender Based Violence and Femiscide Imbizo with the community of Majeje in the policing area of Namakgale in Mopani District. The provincial commissioner emphasized that the serial rapist invaded the two districts in 2017 and resurface in 2022.
“We believe that one day, God will present him in a silver platter for us,” said Provincial Commissioner Hadebe
She was accompanied by the Mopani District MMC for Community and Safety Basani Shivambu, Hosi Majeje II, Baphalaborwa officials, and various stakeholders.
The aim of the imbizo is to engage the community, following President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring GBV as a national disaster.
According to police statistics, Limpopo is number 5 in rape and GBV cases.
” We had an incident where a 1 year old and 8 months was raped in Ritavi policing area,” said Hadebe
She alluded the fact that men also form part of abuse, and all cases should be treated equally by police officers.
“There’s nine vehicles in each police station, and there’s no way a police station doesn’t have a vehicle whenever community members lays a complaint. I promote that they must speak to the station commanders if not assisted. Laziness will not be tolerated under my watch,” said the Provincial Commissioner
Hadebe reminded police officers that the government expect them to provide professional service.
She praised the Majeje community for involving officials whenever they apprehended a criminal, than resulting in Mob justice.
Members of the community were encouraged to play a pivotal role and be resilient and not allow foreigners to tarnish their community.
The message was well received by Chief Majeje II, who acknowledged that African customs have been hard on women and treated them as objects for decades.
” It is up to us men to change what our forefathers have created. Women alone can not resolve the issue of GBV. I would like to call upon all young men and men for a meeting on the first month of 2026″ said Chief Majeje II
The Chief encouraged all men to assist with household chores as a starting point.
He disagreed with the provincial commissioner that most crimes are committed by foreigners.
“The Mozambicans who reside here are no longer foreigners. They came here in 1974, when there was a war in Mozambique. When they’re here in South Africa, their home, ” He said.
The Chief promised to take a stand against GBVF in the community.