Stone-throwing by youth and learners from Manenberg is being used to recruit young people to join gangs. This is not only unlawful but can impact the path the youth take.
This is not the only concern of Manenberg police as the community of Manenberg is taking the law into their own hands by settling disputes with assaulting or stabbing each other, as well.
“This tendency came to light after a 38-year-old male was fatally stabbed on Sunday 14 September. It is alleged that an argument broke out between two males, resulting in the fatal stabbing of the 38-year-old victim.
“He succumbed to his injuries on the scene and the suspect fled and is yet to be arrested. A case of murder has been opened for investigation,” says Cpt Ian Bennett, spokesperson for Manenberg police.
He said it has become concerning that the community is using deadly force to settle disputes and this tendency has spilled over to the youth and learners in the area.
“This contributes to the escalation in crime, such as assaults, assaults with intent to do grievous bodily harm, which leads to murder. I am of the opinion that the community’s ability to deal with conflict needs to be addressed. Manenberg police will contact the necessary role players to assist us to communicate to the community how to deal with conflict through talking and not just brutal violence.
“The stone-throwing amongst learners is seen as violent behaviour used as a method by gangs as part of their gang recruitment processes.
“This violent behaviour is criminal and people wanting to join gangs through stone-throwing are compromising themselves and their careers when becoming involved in this type of behaviour,” he says.
Bennett and Manenberg police call upon all community leaders to address moral regeneration within the Manenberg Policing Precinct.
. Anyone with information can contact Manenberg police on 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop on 0860010111.
