The Limpopo Legislature, the South African Police Services (SAPS), the Mutale Municipality, members of different denominations and community members spoke with one voice during the prayer request to scale down the number of criminal activities in Vhembe.

Ritual murder, women and child abuse were in the spotlight during the well-attended function held at Mutale Town Hall on Wednesday last week. The Mutale ANC Women’s League took the lead in organizing the function.

The function was also aimed at assisting the community of Mutale to heal and cleanse itself of the horrendous incident that took place last month and robbed the area of the life of one of its dignified women, Shonisani Thinandavha, whose mutilated body was discovered at Mulodi Mountain. Members of the SAPS exchanged guns for Bibles as they actively joined in the prayer request that lasted three hours which united them with the people of Mutale to get rid of the ugly scourge of violence against women and children.

When addressing different stakeholders during the prayer request, the MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Samson Ndou, said people should do away with all kinds of crimes, including the escalating ritual murder. He said he believes that the power of prayer will help to heal the wounds of crime in Vhembe. He added that it is a collective responsibility for all community members to fight against crime.

Ndou warned corrupt police officers who collaborate with criminals. “The majority of the police officers are dedicated ambassadors of peace who execute their duties with integrity. However, there are certain elements that must be rooted out because they protect criminals. Police officers must work hard to maintain the trust bestowed on them by the community.”

The MEC said ritual murderers should be exposed because what they do is evil and uncalled for. “Imagine the cruelty when one’s body parts are removed while one is still alive. Ritual murder is an ugly mentality and we can’t afford to be terrorized by a small number of these evil people. I urge all the people with information about criminal activities to come forward so that the perpetrators can be brought to book.”

The Deputy Speaker in the Limpopo Legislature, Catherine Mabuza, discouraged the idea of using human body parts for medication or wealth accumulation. “God blessed Vhembe with a variety of medicinal plants. Why use human body parts instead of using the free trees that are abundant in the bushes? Human body parts will never make you rich. One needs to work hard to accumulate wealth. Why should we keep on killing people? There is no way that human organs can be used for muti purposes. We must expose these criminals because the moment we keep quiet, it means we are collaborating with them. We must be honest with ourselves and talk plainly about these criminal activities. How can you be holy if you don’t love your neighbour?”

Mayor Lucas Manyuha of the Mutale Municipality said the gathering is a clear indication that everyone is concerned about crime. “Our crime strategy in the Mutale Municipality allows everyone to be a role player in the war against crime. We are deeply worried about the ritual murders in our area. We know this will come to an end because nothing defeats the power of prayer.”

Apart from a prayer session and a sermon, representatives from the Premier’s Office, South African Council of Churches (SACC) and the South African National Civic Organization (Sanco) also present messages of support.