Locals work to reconcile gangs
DIEPSLOOT – Captain Tinyiko Mathebula said station was happy that community members intervened to try and end gangsterism in the area.
Following an intervention from community leaders, members of fighting gangster groups have agreed to reconcile, work together to end gangsterism battles and promote peace amongst the youth of Diepsloot and Riverside View.
On 27 April this year, as the nation was commemorating Freedom Day, Diepsloot Residents Association, Riverside View Residents Association, the Community Policing Forum and South African Police Service brought together all members of different groups.
According to a community leader, Godfrey Sinthumule, something that started because of bullying at school gave birth to a number of gangster groups within the community. “Our community has been plagued for a long time by gangsterism and criminal activities because [of] fights amongst youngsters belonging to different groups. As community leaders, we could not sit back and fold our arms while young people are destroying each other and their future. Some of them have been arrested a number of times because of their involvement in groups characterised by criminal activities,” Sinthumule said.
“Some parents had given up on their children because they were unable to stop them. As community members we decided to intervene and started getting a list of ring leaders. We spoke to them and they listened to us.
“Today, we brought them together in the presence of their parents and community members to declare an end to this senseless fighting. We call upon government departments and institutions to help us with resources to rehabilitate these youngsters.”
During the event, community leaders encouraged members of fighting groups to hand over any weapons that may be used to perpetuate violent activities to the police.
Spokesperson at Diepsloot Police Station, Captain Tinyiko Mathebula said they were happy that community members intervened to try and end gangsterism in the area.
“We are grateful that members of the community have brought fighting groups [together]. This will go a long way in the fight against crime in the community. We encourage all members of the public to get involved in the fight against crime,” Mathebula said.
