BARBERTON – Gangsterism is a serious issue among the youth as it continues to destroy the future of young people in our communities.
Gangsters, which made headlines earlier this year include, The Wrong Turn at Elukwatini and Panga Gang.
Gangsterism is a cause for concern at the local juvenile correctional facility.
This was revealed last week Wednesday when pupils from Mtfuntini Combined, Phakani and Fundinjobo Secondary School interacted with offenders on issues concerning crime and the disadvantages of being friends with the wrong crowd.
An offender, Mr George Malumane said he got involved with criminal activities in
grade 10.
“I was hanging out with the wrong friends, we started smoking dagga and taking drugs. We then started to steal because we needed money. I eventually got arrested and was sentenced to 15 years. When I arrived at prison, I was forced to join a gang.
“Once you join, you have to participate in a ritual ceremony, like stabbing someone, to prove that you are brave, and belong to the group. Unfortunately, I stabbed another inmate, and he died. I was charged with murder, and now I am serving 25 years,” Malumane said.
He added that some of the trending gangsters in the facility are 21, 26, 27 and Rough Gang.
MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe urged inmates to use this opportunity to rehabilitate, so when they complete their sentence, they can become better people in the community.
“Offenders are not aliens, they have parents who need to support them to help change their lifestyle. Some of them regret their actions, but realised this when it was too late, being behind bars. However, it’s not the end, they still have an opportunity to correct their mistakes,” he alluded.
The provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, shared the same sentiment, “As parents, let us raise our children in a good manner.
“I believe that this facility was not meant for children but due to circumstances, some of them end up here. We must not look at them as lions, they are human beings,” Zuma concluded.
