eMBALENHLE – Residents were left shocked and traumatised recently after a notorious gang allegedly disrupted a funeral.
Police arrested over 25 alleged gang members in Extension 18.
The gangs are between the ages of 14 and 22 and are facing various charges including murder, public violence and assault.
They were arrested on different days from 20 April to date.
At this stage it is unclear to which group these members belong to, but the police believe that it is between Country Side Gang from Ext 14 and amaRhubane Gang from Ext 18.
Their arrests came after the police received a call that congregants and family members, who were attending a night vigil for the funeral of one of the alleged gang members, were severely assaulted by a rival gang.
It is alleged that the suspects assaulted people and damaged cars and a house.
According to Const Busi Mthethwa, police spokesman, the gangs did not stop there, and on the day of the funeral, they assaulted more people.
“According to the information we received, the gangs ambushed the funeral.
“We were told that they were pallbearers and on their way to the cemetery, but they were assaulting everyone in their way.
“The gang members even intimidated the pastor and funeral conductors and told them that they have to follow the gang’s burial protocol. We are happy that we managed to catch them and hopefully we will soon arrest more.”
She urged locals who might have more information about the gangs to come forward.
The gangs are have not been linked to other crimes as the police have only received reports of terrorism.
Residents have also raised their concerns over the prevalence of gangsterism in the area.
They said that their lives are in danger as they are daily being terrorised by the gangs.
Locals alleged that the criminal groups have taken over the township and are causing havoc and disharmony.
Gangsterism is a serious threat in the area and the number of young people who identify themselves as gangsters, are increasing.
They added that the area is no longer safe.
The locals alleged that the gangs break into their homes and do as they please.
Const Mthethwa confirmed that the police will continue with their investigations.
