A Gledhow family says they are living in fear after repeated attacks, allegedly by a gang of teenagers seeking revenge for a fatal party stabbing.

The violence stems from a fight at a recent party, where a teenager was stabbed and killed. The Shezi family’s 16-year-old male relative was accused by the mob of being responsible and has been missing since the incident.

The family’s ordeal began last week when a mob stormed their home, breaking down doors and forcing entry. Armed with firearms, knives and other weapons, the teenagers reportedly ransacked the house, stealing valuables including cellphones and church offering money.

Inside the home, a 91-year-old grandmother, a 64-year-old woman and two children, aged two and nine, were fled through the back door to escape the attackers.

The group returned last Thursday night, firing shots in the yard. Police were called and they ran away.

However, hours later, an even larger mob descended on the home.

“When they returned, they demanded to know where our 16-year-old boy was. They claim he killed their friend, but we do not know where he is. He ran away after the incident and we have not seen him since. That answer made them furious. They started smashing everything in sight, breaking windows, doors and vandalising the four cars parked in the yard,” said a family member, who asked not to be named for safety reasons.

He said the constant harassment has left the family fearing for their lives.

“These boys are blaming us for something we know nothing about. I am afraid of what they will do next.”

iLembe police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum said police are investigating a case of house robbery. “I can confirm a case of house robbery has been opened at KwaDukuza SAPS, after a group of people went to an elderly lady’s home in Gledhow looking for her grandson. During the incident, items were taken from the home,” said Nunkumar-Bukum.

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