Concern over alleged resurgence of gang violence in Dan Village

Concern over alleged resurgence of gang violence in Dan Village

Gang violence has reportedly reared its ugly head again in Dan Village, outside Tzaneen, in Limpopo.

According to a Capricon FM news report, four people were killed between June and July this year.

Now community members, fearing for their safety, have urged the Police Minister, Bheki Cele, to intervene.

Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, has told Local Voices that he doesn’t know anything about the resurgence of gang violence in the area.

He has, however, promised to investigate the matter.

Local Voices contributor, Nhlangula Sithole, says Boko Haram and Masakhinya gangs have been terrorising the community for years now.

Things go a little better when a neighbourhood watch group was formed last year.

But violent crimes have resurfaced after the patrol team allegedly fell apart due to power struggles.

Older men in the community have allegedly been funding the Boko Haram gang, named after a Nigerian militant group.

Some police officials were also accused of being lenient with the gang members.

In April 2019, the Small Business department visited the area and held a business outreach campaign in a bid to curb crime in the area.

It had followed a 2018 visit by national departments, including the Police Ministry. Then Deputy Police Minister, Bongani Mkongi, condemned the corrupt police officers and warned, “if we catch you as a policeman helping the criminals or working with them you will swap your blue uniforms with the orange overalls.”

He also urged community members not to buy stolen items.

In 2018, 13 members of Boko Haram were sentenced to 6 and 10 years behind bars for violent crimes.

They are, however, now out following the government’s decision to release petty crime convicts from jail due to the coronavirus outbreak.