RESIDENTS of Du Toitskloof Street in Tafelsig are taking on an alleged drug merchant they claim has triggered a child gang war in their neighbourhood.
Gatvol mense pakked uit to the Daily Voice that the klipgooiery between teens in a gang called the Spoilt Brats is all linked to one merchant in the community known as ‘P!ele’, who is recruiting youngsters to work for him.
Following a video footage of a street fight on Saturday that went viral, residents took to the street on Monday night to burn tyres in front of the house ‘P!ele’ allegedly operates out of, as a desperate plea to end the violence.
One resident, who does not want to be named out of fear for her safety, said that the way things are going now, it will soon get out of hand.
She explained: “We as the community are gatvol and it is all because of one person who is causing all this chaos.
“The children were all together as the Spoilt Brats but then P!ele, who is a merchant, sent texts to one of the children’s girlfriends and that is where the split started.
“One half went with him. He buys them fake takkies and tracksuits. Then they think they are kwaai.
“The other half went on their own to smokkel on the other corner, but he did not want to allow it. Hy wil die hele plek oorvat.
“He is a grown man but he wants everyone to fall under him and his crewtjie. The children grew up together and even he grew up in the area, maar kyk wat maak hy.
“He is causing division, the community is hurt. This has never happened in Tafelsig.
“We want this man out. This must come to an end because he is the root to all this controversy and trouble.
“I am elderly, I can’t just leave the house or go outside because it is not safe. When I have visitors then these laaities come to their cars and ask them ‘who are you and what do you want here’.”
On Saturday, a street fight between the child gangs broke out with stones being thrown at each other while some adults and children can be seen cheering them on. Police were called to intervene and the klipgooiers were warned by residents shouting 'mapooza'.
Another clip shows a large group of residents chanting: “P!ele must go” as police are seen in the street.”
Another resident said that urgent intervention is needed, adding: “The community wants peace. Not everyone is a gangster. This matter needs to be resolved quickly.
“Despite SAPS confiscating two firearms and arresting two suspects on Sunday,the situation is escalating. Many residents feel unheard. The root of this violence is drug dealing, robbery, intimidation, assault and other gang-related issues.”