VICIOUS ASSAULT LINKED TO ALLEGED GANGSTER ACTIVITY

ALLEGATIONS of violence have been raised surrounding the activities of a small group of alleged gang members – with suspected ties to SAPS members – operating in Station Hill.

A woman who made the initial accusation was corroborated by the sister of a man who was recently brutally assaulted with a panga and knives.

“There is a gang in Station Hill responsible for all the assaults and drug dealing, but they don’t get arrested – even now that there’s a case of assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] opened against them,” said TotT’s initial source, who asked for her identity to be kept confidential as she fears being targeted.

“I just got word that going to [station commander Colonel Lizette] Zeelie with this won’t help as it hasn’t helped anyone, especially in the case of this gang leader and his guys,” our source said.

She said the group attacked its victims and then laid charges against those victims, who had in both reported incidents been arrested and jailed, while alleged gang members walk free.

Two weeks ago it was reported to TotT that members of this alleged gang attacked Station Hill resident Philasande Jam-Jam, who was taken to hospital and treated for multiple stab wounds.

According to his sister, Vuyokazi Jam-Jam, her brother was walking home on the afternoon of March 8 when eight men jumped out of a van and started attacking him.

The incident was captured on a security camera in Wharf Street and TotT has seen the footage.

We saw Philasande walking along the street when a green van pulled up in front of him and a person got out and ran toward him. Philasande started running but then stood his ground, at which point the other man struck him with a panga. Then Philasande ran off screen.

Vuyokazi told TotT her brother ran and knocked on doors for help, but more assailants joined the first attacker and stabbed him. Vuyokazi said her brother had been stabbed three times: in the face, with a panga, and in the back and neck with knives. He received treatment at hospital and then opened a case with the police on March 9.

The following day, Vuyokazi said two of the alleged gangsters who were part of the assault on Philasande, arrived at the family home with a detective, who arrested Philasande on the account of the two alleged gangsters.

They claimed Philasande had stabbed the one and pulled a gun on the other. Vuyokazi was outraged that the police acted more swiftly against her brother than in reaction to his original report.

SAPS provincial spokesman Captain Khaya Tonjeni confirmed two cases had been opened. He said a case of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm was opened against Philasande Jam-Jam on March 8, and that he had laid a charge of attempted murder against the man who had attacked him with a panga.

Both men appeared in court on March 23 and will be back in court on April 19.