Residents demand action against machete gangs

Fear has gripped residents of Torwood in Redcliff as machete-wielding gangs, allegedly occupying council houses, continue to unleash a reign of terror on the community.

The issue came to light during a 2026 budget consultation meeting held at the Civic Centre on Wednesday, where residents made passionate pleas to the Redcliff Municipality to urgently remove the criminals from its properties.

One resident, who declined to be named, said the machete gangs have turned parts of Torwood into a no-go area.

"We are living with criminals in Torwood. The machete gangs are wreaking havoc, and people are being attacked daily," she said.
"They sharpen their machetes in broad daylight. Even council workers are afraid to enter their premises to disconnect water, yet they owe huge water bills. We need council intervention to restore order and get rid of these thugs."

Responding to the concerns, Ward Councillor Munyaradzi Munikwa confirmed that the local authority was aware of the escalating lawlessness in the area and had already launched an audit to identify illegal occupants.

"We are fully aware of the situation in Torwood," Munikwa said.
"Council conducted an assessment exercise to establish who is staying in those houses, and a report has been compiled. We are encouraging residents to clear their bills and formalise their leases so we can deal with the criminal elements."

He revealed that many of the two-roomed council houses in Torwood were originally allocated about 20 years ago, but have since been illegally rented out by the original beneficiaries.

"The people causing problems are mostly illegal tenants. The rightful owners moved out and are now collecting rent from these occupants, who do not pay bills to council," he said.

Residents have urged the municipality to act swiftly, saying the gangs' continued presence has made life unbearable and unsafe for law-abiding citizens.

The machete menace - often linked to illegal mining activities and violent robberies - has resurfaced in parts of the Midlands province, raising fears of a new wave of violent crime in small towns and mining communities.

Redcliff residents say without decisive action, Torwood could soon become a hotbed of lawlessness.