Dangerous weapons seized

Agroup of community members who have not given themselves a name have embarked on a campaign for a crime-free Thembalethu, conducting operations across the township to seize dangerous weapons and drugs.

The group, which meets every Wednesday at 18:00 at the Uncedo offices, said they started the initiative after observing the increase in murder, robbery, and rape in Thembalethu.

Xola Swapi, who is part of the group, said these observations led them to find a solution and fight crime in the area. "Gangsterism is increasing in our schools, people are being attacked in broad daylight and no one is doing anything. So as the community we have decided to get together and asked for a platform." Swapi emphasised that the initiative is not conducted by Uncedo itself, but that Uncedo is only helping the cause by providing a venue to meet. Another member of the group, Bongani Bholityi, said they are appealing to the broader community of Thembalethu to join them in the fight against crime. "Our children are dying. I estimate that six children died as a result of crime in Thembalethu last year. The weapons we have confiscated are coming from young people these are the very same weapons that are used to murder and rob people," he said.

The group said the weapons will be handed in to the Thembalethu police station commander to be destroyed. The weapons include toy guns, pangas, pocket knives and homemade sharp objects.

Last year

In May last year, Ward 12 Community Police Forum (CPF) members seized over 100 dangerous weapons in Thembalethu from tsotsis during their regular weekly patrols. The weapons were handed to the late Col Reuben France, the then Thembalethu station commander, at a meeting on Wednesday 10 May in Zone 8. According to Mandla December, CPF chairperson of Ward 12, the weapons were confiscated from young men who rob and attack people at night. A few months later, in September, the newly formed neighbourhood watch in Borcherds confiscated an impressive array of dangerous weapons from people on the streets.

Photo: Zolani Sinxo See more photos at www.georgeherald.comMembers of the group made up of Thembalethu residents, from left: Bongani Bolityi, Xola Swapi, Koli Komzi, Mphilisi Nombetho, Mabuti Ndengane, Gladmore Kabasa, Sikhosonke Boutye, Zenzile Ketelo, Khumbuzile Magobo and Andile Ndabeni.