Crime plagues Wentworth community
Apart from the notorious history of Wentworth, Anderson believes that this issue stems from the overcrowding of flats, the lack of access to further education, few job opportunities as well as poverty.
A DARK cloud looms over the community of Wentworth following the hair-raising stabbings and murders that have plagued the coloured township, robbing it of its youth and only hope for a brighter future.
The most recent of these grim tragedies is that of 18 year old Treyvonne Griffiths who was attacked after walking a friend home from a party and brutally stabbed for his belongings on Saturday, 10 August. He was killed two days after celebrating his 18th birthday. According to police provincial spokesperson Colonel Thulani Zwane, two men, aged 18 and 21, were arrested and charged with Treyvonne’s murder and a case of murder was opened at Wentworth police station.
READ: Wentworth teen charged with murder
Wentworth resident, Daryl Williams said that on the night of the fatal incident, he and his nephew Elijah Craig, drove past an injured Treyvonne. His nephew stopped him along with several others, who came from a party, and asked if he could rush the young man to the hospital as he was bleeding severely, which he proceeded to do. “The boy arrived at the hospital very weak but still alive. We thought he would make it however, he unfortunately succumbed to his fatal injuries. To the family, I am sincerely sorry for your unfortunate loss and from our family to yours, we send our heartfelt condolences.”
Treyvonne’s aunt, Jean Gradidge said that the entire ordeal is an unbelievable loss to them. “This was not a gang related murder. He was a victim of a robbery perpetrated by boys he knew in the area. They took his cellphone and gold earrings. He stepped aside from his friend to answer a phone call when he was attacked by the two guys. Treyvonne was a loving, innocent and humble soul. We will always remember him by his laugh. He had a laugh that made you laugh,” she said.
The SUN recently reported on a similar incident where a 16 year old learner was arrested on Tuesday, 16 July by Wentworth police detectives after he had stabbed another learner at Percy Johnson Road in Wentworth. This is according to Wentworth police spokesperson, Captain Mbuso Gumede who further explained that the incident occurred after both learners had left their school premises. “It is alleged that they had an altercation which resulted in the suspect, aged 16, stabbing the 15 year old in his body. The victim was rushed to Wentworth Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injury,” said Gumede. The police arrested the suspect who later appeared in Durban Court on Thursday, 18 July and was charged for murder.
READ: Accused granted R2000 bail for Wentworth murder
In a separate incident, a police officer identified as Warrant Officer Jody Fenner was shot after he allegedly tried to stop an altercation during an event at Ogle Road grounds on Sunday, 16 June. He sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital where he unfortunately died upon arrival.
Local pastor and chairperson of the Wentworth Community Policing Forum, Donovan Anderson, said that the main cause of this outbreak of violence and killings are related to gang rivalry, violence and drug turf wars as well as armed robberies.
Apart from the notorious history of Wentworth, Anderson believes that this issue stems from the overcrowding of flats, the lack of access to further education, few job opportunities as well as poverty. “Most guys turn to look for a quick way to make money and with the new drugs on the market, they get involved in drug dealing and things just spiral out of control. It’s so nasty because as a result, innocent young children are losing their lives by making a living out of something they’re not supposed to do and ultimately the parents and community suffer.”
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