In a peace brokering meeting, meant to end the violence between two Osizweni gangs, one gang vowed to change its ways while the other failed to pitch up.
The meeting was held yesterday (November 7) near the Osizweni Police Station and was organised by community group, Kwanele. The aim was to address crime in Newcastle, through constructive dialogue.
The two gangs, Last Warning and Juveniles, were meant to vow, in front of the Osizweni community, to end the warring between them which erupted in early August. Only members from one gang, Last Warning, arrived. It’s leader, Scelo Vilakazi, said the fact they had attended the meeting, was a clear indication the gang wishes to work towards peace in Osizweni and Blaauwbosch.
Kwanele’s chairperson, Thami Nzuza, said they had engaged with both gangs earlier in in the week and both had agreed to be part of the meeting.
“To be honest, we suspect the other group may have gotten too intoxicated last night. We had already warned them to not come with that mentality, and if that was to be the case they should rather not come because we are here for peace,” explained Nzuza.
Nzuza, an IFP councilor, has been an instrumental mediator between the two gangs, encouraging them to resolve the animosity between them.
Nzuza said it was important violence not be dealt with by further violence.
Police believe at least six lives have been lost in the war between the gangs in Osizweni.
This is a developing story.
Get the full story in this coming week’s print edition of the Newcastle Advertiser, which will be on shelves from November 12.
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