“We call on the South African law-enforcement agencies to take harsh action against the perpetrators.”
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party Youth League (MKPYL) under the Umzimkhulu Sub-region is expected to embark on a march in Umzimkhulu on Friday, 25 September 2026, to speak out against the killing and kidnapping of women and children.
The march is also intended to show solidarity with grieving families in neighbouring Kokstad and those affected by similar incidents in Kempton Park. MKPYL Umzimkhulu Sub-region Convener Nkosentle Mjikwe said the organisation felt compelled to take a stand against what he described as cruelty targeting women and children. “As much as it has not yet happened here in Umzimkhulu, we felt the need for us to support the grieving families in our neighbouring town and those in Kempton Park,” said Mjikwe.
Mjikwe called on law-enforcement agencies to take stronger action against those responsible for such crimes. He also called for the death penalty to be brought back in South Africa as a punishment for perpetrators of serious crimes. “We call on the South African law-enforcement agencies to take harsh action against the perpetrators. We also call for the death sentence to be brought back,” he said.
He further criticised the South African Police Service (SAPS), accusing the police of failing to adequately respond to the problem. “SAPS is sleeping on their job,” said Mjikwe. According to Mjikwe, the march will conclude with the handing over of a memorandum to the relevant authorities, outlining the concerns and demands of the MKPYL.
The march is expected to take place in Umzimkhulu on Friday, with the youth league saying its intention is to add its voice to calls for greater protection of women and children and stronger action against perpetrators.
