RESIDENTS of GaThoka village near Mankweng have taken it on themselves to fight escalating crime in their area.

Their campaign began on Monday night. Residents armed with knobkerries braved the cold to patrol known crime spots. Their action follows repeated attacks on residents walking home at night.

A member of the community said criminals had forced residents to lock themselves in from as early as 7pm to avoid becoming victims of attacks.

He said in an attack last weekend a 41-year-old man was stabbed to death at a well-known lover's spot in the area. His body was found dumped in the bushes at GaMothapo, about 5km from GaThoka, where he was slain.

"We were so shocked that we felt it would be in the interest of the community to do something to create a safer environment," the resident said.

The murdered man's girlfriend was reportedly gang-raped by two suspects wearing balaclavas.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba said no arrests had been made as yet.