MEC for Community Safety Security and Liaison, Mr Pat Ngomane has urged young people in the province to help rid communities of gangsterism.
Ngomane was speaking during a Gala Dinner that was hosted by the South African Youth Development Forum on Saturday. He made special reference to areas such as Tjakastaad, Nhlazatshe and Elukwatini that were engulfed by terror gangs last year. The three communities were set ablaze when residents protested and resorted to mob justice against a gang called ‘The Wrong Turns’.
About four gang members were killed and many others injured during a mob attack. The gangsters were also suspects on cases including assault, murder and robbery among others. “While we want our communities to stay mobilised against crime, we need to educate them about the dangers of mob justice. South Africa is not a banana republic; no one should take the law into their own hands,” he said.
He also called on the educated youth to teach their peers about the dangers of perpetuating crime. “Crime should be prevented before it happens. Correctional service facilities are mostly populated by young people and that needs to change. Youngsters should make use of available opportunities and stay away from crime. They have a responsibility to contribute to the development of the country,” he said.
Furthermore, Ngomane pointed out drug use as one of the common attributes to gangsterism and crime. He said young people should refrain from drugs and alcohol to fight the scourge of crime in communities.
