eMBALENHLE – Parents are very concerned over gangsters terrorising locals.
They said they no longer feel safe to go out, especially at night, and they claim their children now also refuse to attend school out of fear.
The parents raised their concerns at the Taking the Legislature to the People event on Thursday, 3 May.
The gangs call themselves various 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.
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Parents urged the Department of Safety and Security to intervene.
“The MEC must intervene, because we are being slaughtered like sheep. Police officers are trying their best, but it is clear that they need more manpower.”
The department said they would contact the local cluster commander to come up with solutions.
Police recently arrested 10 people believed to be part of gangs. They are apparently linked to crimes that include house robberies, malicious damage to property and assault.
Const Busi Mthethwa, police spokesman, said the police received a complaint that a group of people was terrorising a certain section of eMbalenhle.
“Our members responded and arrested the suspected gangsters who were allegedly vandalising houses and assaulting people.
“We believe more will be arrested soon and we congratulate our dedicated members for this breakthrough.”
The suspected gangsters appeared in the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
Two were released on bail, three were taken to the Hendrina Juvenile Centre because they are minors, and five are in custody because they could not pay the bail.
