Bizana residents accuse local forum of brutal assaults

Several residents of Bizana, in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, have taken to Facebook to share disturbing images and testimonies alleging violent assaults by a local “forum” group operating in the area.

Photos posted by Temba Terra Magadla on 25 November show bruises and welts on young women, with a caption calling on victims to come forward. “It has gotten out of hand now — they must pay,” reads the post.

Dozens of comments followed, echoing similar experiences and demanding accountability.

What We Know So Far

• Alleged beatings reportedly took place in areas near Ntlozelo, Highland, Ngcingo and Bizana CBD

  

  

• Victims claim the group operates under the guise of a community safety forum
• The group allegedly patrols at night, physically assaulting youth, especially women
• Liquor traders say they have also clashed with the forum over unregulated patrols

Voices From the Community

Residents expressed anger and fear in the comments section:

“Phantse sibethwe with my brother Saturday night… those guys bane anger issues,” wrote Asiphe Dlangamandla.

“They must press charges for assault,” urged Ongie Que KaDakhile.

Others say they feel helpless:

“They said if you report to the police station, you’ll be removed as a resident of Highland,” said Daniel Christopher.

What the Law Says

According to legal advice shared by residents, victims are encouraged to:

1. Open a case at the nearest police station
2. Document injuries with a doctor’s note
3. Report to IPID if police fail to act — Tel: 021 399 0000

Official Response Pending

At the time of publication, no official statement had been issued by:

• Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality
• Bizana SAPS
• The leadership of the alleged community forum

However, residents say a community meeting was planned at LoveLife Centre in Bizana to address the issue. Pondoland Times has reached out for confirmation.