LEANDRA – Locals have declared Lebohang as the ‘no go’ area for gangs and drugs.
This came after several cases of assault, rape and robbery took place in Extension 16. The residents mobilised and confronted some of the alleged gangsters and drug dealers in the area.
They are sick and tired of gangs terrorising the community through various crimes.
The residents complained that the alleged gangs assault random people walking in the streets of Lebohang, and target those who are going to work in the morning. The gangs are not from this area, but from eMbalenhle and Devon.
According to the police, the residents held a meeting to discuss these matters and the police were invited.
Community members allegedly told the police that they have identified three houses from which they suspect criminal activities emanate.
The police advised the residents to bring forward the stand numbers, however the residents said they do not have confidence in the police and that they will deal with it themselves.
Police said after the meeting, they received a call that house has been torched in Extension 16. The residents allegedly received information that some of the alleged gang members where inside one of the suspected houses.
Community members went to the house and found three men. Two of the men managed to escape and one was apprehended. They allegedly assaulted the man and the house was burned down.
Police said they managed to rescue the man eventhough he had already been assaulted.
He sustained severe injuries and was taken to hospital. L/t Col Khumalo, station commander, condemned the actions of the community and criticised them for taking the law into their own hands.
“Mob-justice is a serious crime. We appeal to the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, but to report any crime to the police. If they happen to apprehend a suspect, they must take him to the police.”
He said this was the second time a man was assaulted by angry residents in the area.
A week ago another suspect was beaten by the community after he allegedly attempted to rob a family.
The suspect and his friends allegedly forced their way into a house.
The victims noticed that he was not armed and they attacked him and screamed for help.
The community responded and the suspect was caught and assaulted.
He sustained serious injuries and is now fighting for his life in an ICU.
“We are working around the clock to deal with crime in the area,” concluded L/t Col Khumalo.
