MAKHADO – As the influx of illegal foreigners to Makhado are linked with a series of criminal activities, the police this week issued a stern warning to all community members who are harbouring illegal immigrants to stop it before drastic steps are taken against them.

According to Insp Daniel Mbhazima Ndlovu, spokesperson of the Makhado SAPS, the police’s efforts to eradicate crime in town will never be a success if residents, farmers and businessmen cannot distance themselves from hiring the illegal Zimbabweans. “We are appealing to our farmers and all community stakeholders to stop harbouring this individuals as it is difficult for us to arrest them after committing a crime. We expect that our people will hear and certainly comply with our plea of ensuring safety in our area,” he said.

Matodzi David Rakhokha (30), who is accused of murdering a prison warder, Mr Takalani Lucky Mapusha in the bushes at Schoemansdal, appeared in the Makhado Regional Court last Tuesday. Rakhokha was not asked to plead and the case has been postponed to March 11, for further investigations.