Beware the schoolbag-carrying boys!
The Seshego police have issued a warning to residents to be on the lookout for gangs, with many gangsters carrying their schoolbags, which the police say carry dangerous weapons
POLOKWANE – The Seshego police have issued a warning to residents to be on the lookout for gangs, with many gangsters carrying their schoolbags, which the police say carry dangerous weapons.
The Seshego police there have been numerous reports of cases of assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm, which they say are a result of gang wars wreaking havoc in the area.
A 23-year-old man was recently stabbed to death allegedly by an 18-year-old teenager between Ga-Rankhuwe and Ga-Mashamaite villages in the Moletjie area.
Gang rivalry is also suspected to be the root cause of this deadly fracas.
The youngsters, who allegedly carry weapons in their schoolbags, terrorise the people of Seshego, as well as the people in the neighbouring villages of Blood River, Makgofe, Mmotong, Biko Park and Luthuli Park.
A member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Seshego said these young gangsters are capable of committing serious crimes including murder, armed robbery, rape and robbery.
The CPF member, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, said these gangs often fight among themselves, usually for territory.
The young boys want to rule territories they claim to be theirs and when the original residents of a certain neighbourhood cross paths with rival groups from other communities, all hell breaks loose.
“As members of the CPF we regularly liaise with the police, tipping them about the whereabouts of these rogue elements. In some instances, they are searched and their weapons are confiscated,” the CPF member said.
Spokesperson for the Seshego police, WO Mothemane Malefo, said the police were gravely concerned about the schoolbag-carrying gangsters.
“We appeal to parents to intervene in this situation. What is surprising to see is that these boys roam the streets with schoolbags during school holidays. We suspect that inside these bags are dangerous weapons. We appeal to residents to contact us when they spot these gangs and point us in the direction they seem to be heading for,” Malefo said.
