Gang violence in Etwatwa claims lives

Members of a gang known as OVL have allegedly been terrorising members of the community in Etwatwa for months.

According to Clifford Shongwe, EMPD spokesperson, a teenager was killed on Sunday when a tyre was placed around his neck and set alight (necklaced).

“On Monday four teenagers, who are suspected gang members, were arrested in connection with the murder,” he said.

And, in retaliation, on Tuesday, community members went to schools searching for suspected gang members.

Two teenagers (twin brothers) were found and later necklaced.

Shongwe said three houses were also burnt by community members, because they were believed to belong to gang members.

The OVL gang is notorious in Etwatwa for robbing and killing.

According to residents, the gang is made up of over a 100 teenage boys, aged between 14 and 18 years of age, who are said to be very dangerous, carrying dangerous weapons and kill without hesitation.

National police spokesperson Lieut Col Lungelo Dlamini says all three bodies were burnt and the motive of the killings is still unknown.

“We have not made any arrests and are still in the process of investigating the matter,” he says.

Ekurhuleni mayor Clr Mondli Gungubele condemned the violence and gangsterism that has claimed lives of the young people in Etwatwa.

“We strongly condemn these acts of gangsterism. Violence is never an answer to any problem, especially gang-related violence which is a cancer that eats into the community claiming many lives in the process,” says Gungubele.

He added that although the community is commended for taking a stance against gangsterism in Daveyton, it is regrettable that some have actually gone further to take the law into their own hands and resort to mob justice which is a crime on its own.

Gungubele visited Tshipi Noto Intermediate School in Etwatwa on Thursday morning to address residents and school educators about the way forward, highlighting that schools should continue as normal and no more disruptions should interrupt learning.

“School children should not fear going to school because of violence, we will make sure that learners and educators are safe at all times,” says Gungubele.

He adds that the EMPD and SAPS will continue to monitor the area so no violence and illegal protests cause disruption.