Murders and rapes are forcing women to abandon their homes in five villages outside Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported on Friday.
The residents of Skhobeni, Xhongora, Sigubudwini, Bozwana and Tabase villages claim that these acts of violence against women have been going on since 2003.
Nine people have been killed and 11 women raped since last September, the SABC said.
The situation has forced some families to abandon their homes and seek refuge with neighbours or to live in the bush.
Nobangile Mtirara, a female traditional leader in the area, told the SABC: ”Government must take care of us and get policemen to look after us. People are not safe as they say they are sleeping outside their homes.”
It was also reported that the community had accused the police of dragging their feet in responding to its complaints.
Bityi police station Commissioner Mapelo Ngame said police have decided to increase their visibility in the area. ”We will make sure these elements are driven away from this area and ensure the safety of the community,” he said. — Sapa