SISONKE MLAMLA
The horrific mass shooting in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, that left 18 people dead and others wounded, is yet another reminder of the deep seated violence plaguing the province.
The victims, mainly women, were shot in what should have been a moment of community bonding in preparation for a traditional umemulo or ukukhululwa kwezila ritual.
The tragedy marks another dark chapter in a province that has, in recent years, seen escalating violence, crime and insecurity.
The calls for more effective policing in the wake of such a devastating event are predictable. After all, it is the police who must bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of citizens.
The Eastern Cape, with its rocketing murder and sexual offence rates, demands urgent intervention. The mass shooting adds to the horrifying statistic of more than 2 328 lives lost to violent crime from April to June.
The province is in a crisis. The shooting was part of a broader pattern of lawlessness, violence and fear in parts of the province. According to recent crime statistics, the province has become a war zone. The murder rate has continued to soar, and sexual offences are disturbingly high, with 25.2 sexual offences per 100 000 people in the fourth quarter of 2023/24.
For a province historically mired in poverty and neglect, the numbers reveal a deeper socio-economic crisis.
The Eastern Cape has been marked by violent crime and rampant extortion, particularly in places like Mthatha, where criminal syndicates have terrorised businesses, schools and health-care facilities.
The response from law enforcement, including the deployment of the National Intervention Unit, has resulted in the seizure of more than 430 illegal firearms. The large number of illegal firearms seized in recent months indicates that the problem is also about the proliferation of illegal weapons in the province.
Despite the efforts, crime has spiralled. The mass shooting underscores the need for greater intelligence-driven policing, community patrols and stricter gun control measures.
Even high-profile police interventions have not been enough to stem the tide of crime. Why not? Policing is reactive. It responds to crimes committed. What is needed is a more proactive approach, one that apprehends criminals and prevents the conditions that lead to violence.
This is where the community must come in. A key reason for the rise in violence is the breakdown of the social fabric that once held communities together. The Nyathi village shooting is a tragic reflection of how communal ties have frayed.
Historically, communities in the Eastern Cape relied on close-knit relationships, cultural practices and collective responsibility to maintain order.
In times of crisis, communities turned to one another for support, conflict resolution and protection.
As poverty deepens, unemployment rises and inequality grows and the traditional forms of social cohesion weaken. As communities become more fragmented, individuals feel more isolated and powerless. This can foster a culture of violence and despair as people see fewer alternatives to survival or self-expression.
What can be done? Communities must reclaim their agency. They need to re-establish networks of mutual support and rebuild social trust. Initiatives that focus on community-based violence prevention, such as neighbourhood watch programmes, youth empowerment initiatives and cultural restoration efforts, can go a long way in restoring communal integrity.
Traditional leaders, NGOs, and religious institutions can play a pivotal role in mobilising resources, providing mentorship and fostering dialogue.
The mass shooting in Lusikisiki is a wake-up call for law enforcement and the community. Yes, the police must be empowered and equipped to deal with rising crime, but the community must also step up.
Only through a collaborative effort can we hope to stem the tide of violence. The time for action is now.
* Mlamla is a journalist, lecturer and a former media and communications officer at the Western Cape Provincial Legislature
Cape Times