Gang with pangas and knives ‘terrorises’ Plettenberg Bay – community
While police have confirmed three arrests, residents of New Horizons say a group of youths is behind a spate of robberies and assaults in the area.
Residents of New Horizons in Plettenberg Bay are fearing for their lives as they claim a group of minors armed with pangas, blades and Okapi knives is tormenting them.
According to the residents, the attacks started in August.
While the community claims Plettenberg Bay police have done little to assist, the Southern Cape police say investigations have resulted in the arrest of three people.
Residents recount attacks
Arthur Groves, a resident for 25 years, says the area is no longer safe after his son was attacked twice.
In the first incident in November, his son was stabbed in the shoulder, allegedly by the group, after he told them he did not have a cigarette.
“He managed to get away and ran home. My son just made it to the pavement outside our home, where he collapsed, covered in blood,” Groves recalls.
A second attack occurred in March, but his son managed to escape.
Groves claims because the boys are minors, no action is being taken.
Punctured lung
Another resident, Gwendoline Bezuidenhout, says her son Marco, along with a cousin and a friend, was stabbed in an attack in August while returning from playing pool. He sustained wounds to the head and shoulder, while his friend suffered a punctured lung.
“We reported the matter in August and, until now, nothing has come of it. We still see my son’s attackers walking the streets,” Bezuidenhout says.
Police feedback
Bitou Crime Watch founder Ludewijk Andrews claims the situation is ‘out of control’ and that the group robs and stabs people almost daily.
He urges police to provide better feedback to the community on investigations.
Arrests
Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, the spokesperson for the Southern Cape police, says three people aged between 14 and 24 were arrested and linked to an assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“These cases are before court. A complainant in one of the assault cases withdrew the matter, and no further steps were taken,” Spies says.
He adds that parents are informed of offences involving juveniles.
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