Residents of Mgiqwa in Ntabazinduna say their community has become increasingly unsafe at night, accusing some workers from nearby mines of fueling a surge in violent attacks, theft, and intimidation.
In interviews with CITE on the sidelines of the Imbizo Primary School prize-giving ceremony on Tuesday, community members from Mgiqwa said the situation has deteriorated sharply in recent months.
The locals claimed that most of the trouble starts in the evenings when the mine workers knock off and move around the villages, often in groups and allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
Residents reported break-ins, assaults, robberies affecting people walking home from shops, boreholes and even late church services.
Sibongile Ndlovu, a resident of Mgiqwa, said the fear has changed their daily routines.
“Before, we could walk from the shops at 8pm or 9 pm without fear, but now once it gets dark, everyone rushes home,” she said.
“These people who work at the mines move in groups at night, and when they are drunk, they become very violent. They shout, they fight and they beat people without reason. Last month, my neighbour was attacked just a few metres from her gate. Her phone and groceries were taken. We are now prisoners in our own homes because of fear.”
Another resident, Thulani Sibanda, said theft has become rampant.
“Almost every week, someone is robbed. Phones, blankets left outside to dry, even groceries are taken. At night you hear footsteps, people jumping over fences and running away in the dark. When we try to follow them, they threaten us with knives and stones,” he said.
“We strongly believe it is some of the mine workers because they are the ones who move around late after drinking, and they don’t fear anyone. We are tired of living like this because our children are no longer safe.”
A young mother of two, Nokuthula Moyo, said women and girls are the most affected.
“As women, we are suffering a lot. We cannot visit neighbours and we cannot even walk from church if the service ends late,” she said.
“We are always scared of being raped, beaten, or robbed. We sleep with fear every night and this fear is affecting our mental health including the safety of our children.”
Another resident, Bhekani Dube, said the absence of adequate security has worsened the situation.
“Help does not come quickly. By the time the police arrive, the criminals are already gone,” said Dube.
“We have tried to organise night patrols as a community, but these people are dangerous and armed. We cannot fight them with our bare hands. What we want is proper security, more police patrols, and strong action from the mine management because their workers are making our lives difficult.”
The residents said they had raised their concerns repeatedly at community meetings and hope authorities will intervene before the situation escalates further.