HIGHVELD – Mr Pat Ngoman, MEC for Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison, has called on the youth of Mpumalanga to prevent the formation of gangster groups in their communities.
He said gangsters have no place in the community and should not be allowed to operate.
Mr Ngoman said it is better to prevent crime before it happens, because currently correctional service facilities are mostly populated by young people and that needs to change.
He said this is a matter that involves many people, but at the end of the day it should be resolved by relevant stakeholders.
“The educated youth have the responsibility of teaching other young people about the dangers of perpetuating crime.
“The youth should make use of available opportunities and stay away from crime.”
Youth involvement in gangsterism is one of the major concerns among eMbalenhle residents.
Over the past months, residents have raised their concerns and said their lives are in danger as they are daily being terrorised by gangs.
They no longer have the freedom to go out, especially at night, because gangsters are everywhere.
People alleged these criminal groups have taken over the township and are causing havoc and disharmony.
The gangs call themselves names such as Weshe and the most popular one, Wrong Turns.
They are territorial and when people go to other sections, they are intimidated by these groups.
In a press statement, Mr Ngoman said while the department wants the communities to stay mobilised against crime, he strongly condemns mob justice.
He said South Africa is not a banana republic and no one should take the law into their own hands.
“Young people have the responsibility to contribute to the development of the province and the country at large.
“You have the responsibility to contribute to society in terms of working towards creating an enabling environment by influencing all institutions that are tasked with the development of our communities.
“Government will not keep quiet while young people who could have a bright future, use drugs.
“Drugs such as Nyaope and alcohol abuse destroy the dreams of future leaders.
“Government has entrusted us with the responsibility of preserving what we have for the next generation.
“Let our young people stay away from substance abuse.”
