THE township of Bekkersdal on the West Rand has been rocked by gang violence. And there's no reprieve soon for the residents, after they were allegedly told they will only get help when police beef up their staff in March next year.
Community leader Thabang Wesi said the local police told them they would have to wait for the deployment of 29 extra police officers in the township to deal with gang members who are on a rampage attacking people.
"So far more than three people have been violently killed this month alone and we are forced to stay indoors from as early as 6pm. The township will be wiped out until police are deployed next year.
"March is too far and we need protection daily. We appeal to the minister of police and national commissioner to deploy a large contingent of police like they did during the elections and when we were demanding services.
"We suspect that the attacks are an issue of sabotage by some politicians who are sponsoring these gangs," said Wesi.
"These monsters are killing our people and must be arrested. We do not want to see people taking law into their own hands."
Two weeks ago Ernest Diphikwe, 42, died from multiple stab wounds after he was attacked while walking home from work.
He was stabbed seven times on his upper body and died on the scene. On Friday at about 6pm, Thabiso Nkitsing, 14, was also stabbed to death allegedly by a group of armed young men.
On Sunday night Ikageng Keaiketsi, 19, sustained eight stab wounds on his head, body and legs after an attack outside his home.
On Saturday, Lebogang Molape and her family used a fridge and wardrobe as shields behind their doors to prevent a group of armed men who wanted to storm their home.
Police spokesman Lieutenant- Colonel Lungelo Dlamini confirmed cases of murder, attempted murder and arson. He said it was suspected gangs were involved.
He added: "Police in the area are engaging community members to deal with the crime situation and had several meetings. Should there be concerns about resources in the area, police management will look at the situation to improve service delivery."
ntwagaes@sowetan.co.za
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
Residents live in fear of gangsters
THE township of Bekkersdal on the West Rand has been rocked by gang violence. And there's no reprieve soon for the residents, after they were allegedly told they will only get help when police beef up their staff in March next year.
Community leader Thabang Wesi said the local police told them they would have to wait for the deployment of 29 extra police officers in the township to deal with gang members who are on a rampage attacking people.
"So far more than three people have been violently killed this month alone and we are forced to stay indoors from as early as 6pm. The township will be wiped out until police are deployed next year.
"March is too far and we need protection daily. We appeal to the minister of police and national commissioner to deploy a large contingent of police like they did during the elections and when we were demanding services.
"We suspect that the attacks are an issue of sabotage by some politicians who are sponsoring these gangs," said Wesi.
"These monsters are killing our people and must be arrested. We do not want to see people taking law into their own hands."
Two weeks ago Ernest Diphikwe, 42, died from multiple stab wounds after he was attacked while walking home from work.
He was stabbed seven times on his upper body and died on the scene. On Friday at about 6pm, Thabiso Nkitsing, 14, was also stabbed to death allegedly by a group of armed young men.
On Sunday night Ikageng Keaiketsi, 19, sustained eight stab wounds on his head, body and legs after an attack outside his home.
On Saturday, Lebogang Molape and her family used a fridge and wardrobe as shields behind their doors to prevent a group of armed men who wanted to storm their home.
Police spokesman Lieutenant- Colonel Lungelo Dlamini confirmed cases of murder, attempted murder and arson. He said it was suspected gangs were involved.
He added: "Police in the area are engaging community members to deal with the crime situation and had several meetings. Should there be concerns about resources in the area, police management will look at the situation to improve service delivery."
ntwagaes@sowetan.co.za
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
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