Abanqondisi, a group known for its community protection efforts, has taken a harrowing turn as 34 of its members now face charges of six counts of murder, 15 counts of kidnapping, and nine counts of assault. Notably, ten of the victims affected by this ordeal were minors under the age of 18.
If you can recall, in September 2022, Newcastillian News reported how the group had formed to combat the growing crime in Madadeni.
The men gained immense support as they targeted drug dealers and robbers alike, ensuring that justice prevailed, at times with a sjambok in hand.
To read more, click here.
However, when looking at the present, a distressing incident involving the group transpired on Saturday, 26 August 2023, within the premises of Springbok Reserve in Dannhauser. This sombre development follows a community gathering, in which Abanqondisi was invited to participate.
An authoritative police source recounted that the gathering exposed a more sinister aspect of the once commended community driven group.
An intense altercation between Abanqondisi and a local family unfolded, with the group demanding the surrender of a firearm allegedly used by one of their members in a murder.
The mentioned relative is presently in police custody for their suspected involvement in the murder.
Despite efforts to deescalate the situation, Abanqondisi remained resolute in their pursuit of what they perceived as justice.
“Later that night, around 10:30 pm, the Abanqondis descended upon the family’s residence with seven motor vehicles and approximately thirty individuals concealing their identities,” disclosed the police source, highlighting the presence of various weapons among the group.
Tragically, the situation took a grim turn as the group proceeded to abduct multiple males from the family’s homestead. Among the abducted, five were 15 years old, three were 16 years old, one was 17 years old, and the rest ranged in age from their 20s to 30s. This effort was purportedly driven by the group’s determination to locate the murder weapon, even though the suspect was already under police custody.
In response to the alarming situation, a 72 hour activation plan was enacted, fostering cooperation among the Newcastle SAPS, Dannhauser SAPS, Hattingspruit SAPS, and Amajuba District Duty Officers in a joint operation to apprehend the suspects.
Amid these efforts, the Abanqondisi delivered four of the abducted individuals to Dannhauser CHC Hospital, all of whom tragically succumbed to their injuries, according to the police source. Additionally, two further deceased individuals were left at a clinic in the Osizweni area, aged 30 and 32.
Numerous others suffered serious injuries during the incident, including five 15 year old boys, three 16 year old boys, and a 29 year old. These victims are presently undergoing medical treatment at Dannhauser CHC Hospital.
Ultimately, the harrowing episode led to six fatalities and nine grievous injuries, primarily affecting minors. The offending members of Abanqondisi’s group found their escape short lived, as law enforcement managed to trace and apprehend all 34 suspects, who are now being held in custody by Osizweni SAPS.
Upon their arrest, an array of weapons was seized by the police, including the following:
- One sword
- One iron rode
- Two pangas
- Two Tonfa
- One stick
- Two Knobkerries
- 16 sjamboks
- One tazer
As several members of this once admired community group grapple with legal consequences stemming from these heinous acts, the public is encouraged to share their perspectives in the comment section below.
Comments 1
Well done SAPS!!! these types of groups are nothing but criminals themselves, they perform crimes under the pretence of being crime fighters.