Fear grows as gangs ‘rule the streets’ of De Aar

GANGSTERISM has reared its ugly head in the Northern Cape town of De Aar, fuelling widespread anxiety over the safety of pupils and residents.

A circular issued by the National Prosecuting Authority indicated that De Aar had been earmarked as a hot spot for violent crimes, including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), attempted murder, and the illegal possession of dangerous weapons. The community was warned that gang violence would not be tolerated over the festive season.

Parents in De Aar identified three rival groups that were allegedly “running the town”, claiming that gangsterism was rife in the area.

“The group members are between the ages of 18 and 35. The leader of one of the gangs is known as the leader of the White House,” the parents said.

“We are concerned because our children are going to Grade 12 next year and we don’t want their schooling to be disrupted. The school is one of the top-performing schools in the province. It is convenient because it is nearby, and we cannot afford taxi fare to attend another school.”

Residents said that a pupil was recently stabbed inside the school toilet.

“He was hospitalised for two weeks, but thankfully recovered in time to write his year-end examinations at a separate venue. There have been various incidents involving stabbings, and our children are being attacked with pangas and knives.”

They added that gang members were easily entering the school premises to terrorise pupils due to the absence of security personnel.

One parent said she was forced to decline work opportunities that were not in close proximity to the school out of fear for her child’s safety.

“I am constantly checking up on my son because he is not safe at school. Pupils are attacked on the school premises or while travelling to and from school. 

“Rival groups come to our doorsteps with a fearless attitude and are armed with dangerous weapons. However, we are told that no cases can be opened if no one has been injured. Must someone die before action is taken?”

‘Six criminal cases reach a dead end’

Some parents believe their children are being targeted and labelled as instigators.

“Children of police officers and community members in senior positions who come into conflict with the law are given immunity from prosecution.”

“Our children are repeatedly arrested on false charges of assault and suspected gang activity if they retaliate. Young boys are traumatised and manhandled by the police before being placed in holding cells. Six cases opened against suspected gang members and allegations of police brutality have been closed or withdrawn for unknown reasons,” the parents alleged.

Affected community members said their children were not permitted to leave home without being accompanied by an adult.

“My child was assaulted when he refused to allow the police into the house to arrest him, as no one else was home at the time. Remarks are made that we cannot afford lawyers, while no action is taken against offenders from wealthy families.”

An imbizo involving religious groups, the police, and community members was held in September in an attempt to resolve the situation, but parents said there had been no improvement.

Department of Education to improve access control

Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe confirmed that incidents relating to gangsterism had been reported at the high school in De Aar.

“Several engagements were conducted between parents and learners, including random searches by the SAPS,” he said.

Van der Merwe added that a case was opened following an incident on October 24, which is currently under police investigation.

“The department is exploring various avenues to improve access control at the school to curb incidents affecting school safety.”

SAPS investigates violent crimes in De Aar

Northern Cape SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the Sunrise police were investigating cases including attempted murder, assault GBH, and common assault reported during August, September, October, and December in Sunrise, De Aar.

“The police have arrested all suspects involved in the above-mentioned cases, and the matters are before court. The police remain committed to the fight against crime without compromising the rule of law,” he said.

* While parents were prepared to be identified, their names have been withheld to protect the identities of the pupils.