The police and the youth have finally joined hands in the war against crime! Through the project called Tamba Muswa (play youth), the Makuya SAPS and the local Youth Organization came together to find possible solutions on how to make their community a crime-free zone.

Makuya SAPS serves 26 remote rural villages in the Far Northern part of the Limpopo.

Tamba Muswa was launched in 2000 with the aim of curbing crime committed by youths in the Makuya area, north of Thohoyandou.

Insp Mashudu Madida of the Makuya SAPS Communication Services said there has been quite a decrease in criminal youth activities in the Makuya area since the launch of Tamba Muswa. Madida said the youths are engaged in several activities that are meant to keep them off the streets.

“With the cooperation from the Makuya Youth Organization, we engage the youths in sports tournaments which include soccer, netball and athletics. There is also an Arts and Culture Against Crime wing which engages the youths in dances, drama and poetry. Tamba Muswa has been a huge success, which has already borne fruits in our war against crime…”

Although Tamba Muswa receives some financial assistance from Spar at Tshikondeni Mine, Madida said they still need more funds to sustain the project. “Youths have shortage of sports equipment and we do not have enough prize money to award them during the tournaments. We request members of the community to make any form of donation to assist in the grooming of our future leaders…”

The Vice-Chairperson of the Makuya Youth Organization, Rodney Netshipise, called on youths from other areas to follow suit in the war against crime. Those who would like to know more or assist Tamba Muswa can call Insp Mashudu Madida at 015 957 9000.