NEWCASTLE: Suspected gang-fighting shuts down Osizweni
The violence in the area began in early August and violence is escalating.
Osizweni residents say they are living in fear once more, as gang violence in the area continues to escalate.
Residents around the 17-stop claimed they couldn’t sleep on the night of October 24, as they heard gunshots throughout the night.
There was heavy police presence in most of Osizweni on October 25, from the 17-stop and leading into an area called ‘Ebhareni’ – to the main road of the Osizweni Police Station. The main road going to Theku Plaza was blocked in the early hours of the morning, by suspected gang members.
Captain Sipho Nkosi, Communications Officer at Osizweni SAPS confirmed roads had been blocked on the morning of October 25 and police were called in to disperse the crowd.
“The violence in the Osizweni area allegedly began in early August when police were able to recognise a pattern of robberies that prompted to look at possibilities of gangs operating in the area,” said Nkosi.Â
Three gangs currently known to be operating in Osizweni, according to Capt. Nkosie are Last Warning or Wrong Turn and two other breakaway gangs; Full Force and The Juveniles.Â
A community meeting was held at the local sport ground near St. Lewis Bertrand’s Secondary School to trying and find ways to move forward with peaceful resolutions.
Read the full story in this week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser (October 29).
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