KwaThema residents hunt for gang group ‘Boko Haram’
“Those who are involved and promote criminal activities will be harshly dealt with by the law."
KwaThema – Residents of KwaThema took the law into their own hands on Wednesday by searching for a gang rumoured to be terrorising the community.
The gang is identified as ‘Boko Haram’.
The residents gathered for a community meeting at Ndaba Tree, claiming the gang is responsible for rape, robberies and killings.
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KwaThema police spokesperson Const Media Khoza says initially the school intended to disperse members to some of the schools in the area since they were allegedly targeting learners.
“They then received a tip-off about the gang’s residential homes in Extension Three.
“The angry mob burned down three shacks, including that of an alleged drug dealer who was also assaulted by the community.
“He was rescued by the members of the EMPD and was rushed to hospital,” she explains.
Members of the SAPS and EMPD monitored the situation and more members were deployed from neighbouring police stations.
Khoza says no official cases have been opened regarding this alleged gang and there is no concrete evidence of their existence.
Station commander Col Mareketle Thobejane expressed disappointment on how the community took the law into their own hands, causing instability and instilling fear in the area.
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“Those who are involved and promote criminal activities will be harshly dealt with by the law.”
Thobejane further urged those who have information to come forward and the matter will be further investigated.
“No arrests have been made and the situation is still being monitored.
“Residents are urged to come forward with any information that may assist the police by contacting 011 812 4608,” she says.
