MALALE - Tension is rising in the small rural village of Malale next to the Limpopo River in the Limpopo Province, as the community expressed their lack of confidence in the Tshamutumbu police. They are accusing the police of corruption and negligence.

During a protest march to the police station last Wednesday afternoon, the community alleged that there was lack of commitment on the part of the police in the investigation of the case of a four-year old girl who had allegedly been "murdered for ritual purposes" two years ago.

Chief Wilson Nemalale said they were concerned about the police's failure to arrest the four suspects who were linked to the case. "A girl, Sarina Ndou, disappeared on the morning of February 18, 2000. Lydia Baloyi had sent her to the shop with her other two children, against the will of their grandmother. On the way, Sarina decided to stay behind where the prime suspect, Maemu Ndou, put the child into the basket she was carrying on her head," said Nemalale.

Nemalale said that Maemu had been seen by Freddy Munyai while she was taking the girl. "Ephraim Makhuvha also told us that he saw Maemu carrying the girl. Although the case of a missing girl was reported on the same day, Nemalale said it took close to a month for the Tshamutumbu police to respond. A case was finally opened on March 29, 2000.

A skull with a woollen necklace around the neck, similar to that worn by the missing girl, and some bones were finally found on August 1, 2000 in the mountain, which lies in the same direction that Maemu and Makhuvha went. Four suspects, Maemu Ndou, Ephrain Makhuvha, Johannes Mudau and Lydia Baloyi were arrested for questioning, but they were later released. The bones were then taken to a Pietersburg laboratory where it was established that the bones belonged to a girl between four and five. It was also found that the girl might have died six months ago.

In their memorandum the community of Malale, an isolated village along the main road from Tshipise to Kruger National Park, demanded that their case should be transferred to the Musina or Thoho-yandou police. They also suggest that all police officers at Tshamutumbu should be transferred to other police stations, "as they are inefficient". The community also accuse Insp. Livhuwani Musinyali, who was investigating the case, of "taking a bribe". The community claim they have seen Musinyali collecting goats in a police van from the home of Makhuvha, who is one of the suspects.

The community's sentiments were backed by a community member from Madimbo who said that they also had many complains against the Tshamutumbu police, citing the case of a person who was "killed and buried" on the same day as an example.

During the march which was monitored by Musina, Masisi and Alldays police, some of the police officers attached to Tshamutumbu said it would be better if they were transferred to other police stations, as Tshamutumbu is a very isolated place, and too far from their homes.

Police spokesperson in the Far North Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, said the community of Malale should stay calm and let the police investigate the case as they have already started with it. Mushavhanamadi said that they would investigate the allegations that there were police officers who were taking bribes.

"We view these allegations in a very serious light. We appeal to the community to come to our area office and give us information that can prove these allegations. If the community can give us information that can help us prove the allegations we will take steps. We also welcome the community to contact us if they have serious concerns about the case," said Mushavhanamadi.