A brutal attack on a group of community members dedicated to fighting crime in Osizweni, KZN has resulted in the tragic death of a 40-year-old man. This has prompted urgent appeals for the intervention of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the government.
The incident unfolded on Thursday, June 1, 2023, when a gang of youngsters attacked community members belonging to a crime-fighting organisation during their patrols.
Armed with knives and pangas, the gang sought to inflict harm on as many community members as possible.
The violence escalated on Saturday, June 3, 2023, with the same gang launching another assault. As a result, six patrollers were injured, and one person tragically lost their life.
Captain Sipho Nkosi, the spokesperson for Osizweni SAPS, reported that the police received an anonymous call notifying them of the attack and the serious injuries sustained by one person.
Upon arrival at the scene, the police secured the area while medical personnel attended to the injured. Unfortunately, the critically wounded man succumbed to his injuries upon reaching Madadeni Hospital.
As a result, the Osizweni SAPS is currently conducting investigations. At this time, it is believed that the Nyaope Boys, a local group, are responsible for the attacks. The Nyaope Boys oppose the community members’ patrols, as they support the police in combating crime in the area.
In response to the violent incidents and loss of life, local ANC councillors in Osizweni are urgently calling for increased deployment of police officials and the involvement of the SANDF.
They expressed deep concern over the attack, the subsequent murder, and the prevailing crime and gangsterism in the area.
Moreover, the ANC has engaged with the Provincial ANC and the office of the Police Minister, Bheki Cele, to seek assistance in resolving the matter.
Chris Mhlophe, the ANC Regional Secretary, emphasised the need for government intervention and close collaboration with the community to address the issue of crime comprehensively. He highlighted the importance of tackling crime not only in Osizweni but also in neighbouring towns.
Gangsterism has plagued the Osizweni community for several years, with the emergence of groups such as the Last Warning in September 2020. Although the Last Warning group initially dominated, it fragmented into factions like the Full Force and Peace Makers. All of whom, contribute to criminal activities aimed at the community.
This urgent plea for Minister Cele and other high-ranking police officials to assist the community is not unprecedented. In the past, Minister Cele, together with the National Commissioner General and senior SAPS management, organised an imbizo held at the Osizweni Community Hall. This was to address community concerns regarding increasing criminal activities carried out by local youth.
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Additionally, the SAPS deployed the Tactical Response Team (TRT) to Osizweni in August 2022 to help maintain law and order and combat the influence of the gangs.
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As the Osizweni community desperately seeks the involvement of the Police Ministry and the SANDF to tackle the crime issue, we invite readers to share their thoughts on the matter in the comment section below.
There is no respect for life in this country anymore no consideration for others help your community know who needs help who hasn’t got food or warm bedding looking after each other instead of instilling fear and harm its shocking
The level of crime is escalating in Osizweni. The law enforcement agencies need to intervene to support the local crime fighting forums as they are being targeted by the gangsters. Big up to the crime fighting forums patrolling around Osizweni. We will like to have more visibility of local SAPS.