The Limpopo Youth Commission is seriously concerned about the escalating number of ritual murders and family violence and deaths in Vhembe.

In an exclusive interview with Limpopo Mirror, the commission’s chairperson, Rodgers Tshivhase, said there is a need to strengthen consultation forums because the safety of the community is a priority. “Most of the victims of ritual murder and family violence are youths and we cannot just watch while our brothers and sisters are maimed senselessly on a daily basis. When it started, we kept quiet, thinking that it would stop with time but we are now concerned that criminal offences of this nature are increasing. Enough is enough! How many more must die before we stop it. This is seriously affecting our community and something must be done before we all perish?”

Tshivhase said the Youth Commission is disturbed by some of the youths who take part in these crimes. “It is heartbreaking to note that some of our youths are implicated in ritual murder and family violence cases. The youths must go to school and prioritize education because it is the only weapon for success.”

Tshivhase said he feels that police are not doing enough to curb ritual murders. “Community members give them concrete evidence and we still find the perpetrators walking free in the streets. There is a need to re-establish that trust between the community and the police.That’s the only way we will win this war against crime. It is also important to teach our communities about the fact that ritual murder is an ugly crime that will never make someone rich. People have to work hard to accumulate wealth. Look what happened to the youthful late Maanda Sendedza and the surviving Nyelisani Sidimela. What about the brutal murder of the four children at Tshivhilidulu village? We surely need to stand up and fight against all this inhuman behaviour.”

Concluding our interview, Tshivhase praised all the youths who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this country. “Youths are the foot soldiers of our struggle for freedom and they deserve to be honoured for their sacrifices. The war against apartheid is over now and the youth must fight against unemployment, poverty, HIV/Aids and illiteracy.”