Police tackle local gangs

A surprise visit by the Ermelo Police to the Reggie Masuku and Lindile secondary schools led to more than 37 learners taken in for questioning in connection with school gangs.

The police briefly held an awareness campaign, where Sgt Ngubeni from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit spoke to the learners about various sexual offences and domestic violence, as well as the different kinds of rape. He encouraged them to report such cases.

“As far as rape is concerned, it’s no longer limited to women only, but males are also raped and you must not keep quiet about this, because the anger in you makes you a monster,” explained Sgt Ngubeni.

Mr S’busiso Masina from the Department of Social Development spoke about respect and warned female learners about the danger of hitchhiking alone and urged them to avoid getting involved with older persons.

The police then began searching school bags for drugs, weapons and other illegal articles. A cellphone and two okapi knives were confiscated during the search.

Members of the Black Cats were pointed out to the police and they then claimed that there were members of other gangs at the school and the other secondary schools, Ithafa and Lindile.

The police moved to Ithafa where more gang members were pointed out. They were divided into their groups, Black Cats, RAF and DMT’s and were taken to the station for questioning.

W/O Dumi Sibeko said they had received numerous complaints about gangs terrorising people, mostly in Thusiville, eMadamini and other sections of Wesselton.

Speaking at a local radio station, W/O Sibeko said they questioned the learners about their involvement in gangs and they found out that peer pressure, money and power were some of the reasons for their involvement.

He also said they would continue identifying those involved and arrange necessary help for them.

“We have a clear picture of those involved and we will arrange counselling and other necessary interventions to assist them. We will not stop until we have rooted out gangs at schools,”said W/O Sibeko in the radio interview.

Listeners called in to the radio station and applauded the police for their work and encouraged them to continue, as they are tired of the gangs terrorising the community.