The community of Phalaborwa in Namakgale village took to the streets on Friday morning to shutdown Phalaborwa following a series of gender-based violence (GBV) related incidents.

This follows the recent case of a foreign national suspect who appeared in Namakgale Magistrates Court in connection with the rape of a 10 year old child. The shutdown ended up at Namakgale SAPS whereby a memorandum of concerns was handed over to the police.

Operation Dudula Provincial Treasurer in Limpopo, Lekau Mamabolo did not mince his words when he said illegal foreigners in South Africa should go back to their countries.

The recipient of the memorandum Major General Mashaba assured residents that the memorandum will be given to the appropriate authorities. He also gave contact numbers where he said the community will be able to get immediate response from the police 079 889 4688. He urged members of the community to keep record of the reported incidences to make it easier for them to trace the matter when the police are not doing their job.

Amongst the demands, the community stated that:

• The issue of illegal foreigners should be dealt with accordingly.
• All rape accused should not be given bail.
• SAPS should respond within 30 minutes of reporting.
• Police should be visible at night in all 19 ward.
• Cutting off grass in the Bush for all wards.
• Municipality in collaboration with SAPS should ensure that all foreigners have rightful documentation to be in the Republic.
• Constant check on all foreigners to ensure compliance with SARS.
• Constant check on all stock sold in foreign owned shops to ensure that they are not selling expired goods to consumers.
• Police should stop taking bribery from offenders.
• The community demanded a response to all demands with seven (7) working days.