The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Friday, November 6, 1992 — The Bulawayo youth terror group, the Terror Ten, has allegedly threatened a ZBC television presenter for “selling” it out to the Press thus rendering its activities difficult.

The presenter, Gibbs Dube, alleged in an interview on Wednesday that the gang had accused him of divulging their activities to the newspapers, making their activities difficult.

“This we can’t tolerate,” one of them reportedly said.

In fact, Dube said, the situation had degenerated so much that he was almost confined to his Mpopoma home. The saga started when he was involved in an altercation with one young man who, according to Dube, is not a member of the terror squad.

“Unfortunately, initial reports said he was one of the ‘hit boys’ when he wasn’t. I am not defending the group. But definitely he is not one of them,” said Dube.

The alleged hooligans number over 50 and are on the loose in the city, subjecting other youngsters to a reign of terror. They are said to be victimising mainly youths from the low density areas, whom they refer to as “abantwana bama salad” (children who eat salads). The group is believed to have been in operation for two years now.

“I know the group exists. My life is at stake,” said Dube.

He said the boys had informed his friends and relatives that they were following him round the clock and would “get him.”

Asked if he had reported the case to the police, he said: “I haven’t. Even if I were to, I don’t think police would be able to give me enough protection. The group is here to stay, I’m scared I may lose my life.”