{"id":32765,"date":"2022-06-24T14:10:28","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T14:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/south-africa\/all-news\/westbury-gang-war-this-place-is-not-safe-for-anyone-shooting-victim-plans-to-relocate"},"modified":"2022-06-24T14:19:36","modified_gmt":"2022-06-24T14:19:36","slug":"westbury-gang-war-this-place-is-not-safe-for-anyone-shooting-victim-plans-to-relocate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/south-africa\/all-news\/westbury-gang-war-this-place-is-not-safe-for-anyone-shooting-victim-plans-to-relocate","title":{"rendered":"Westbury gang war: ‘This place is not safe for anyone’ – shooting victim plans to relocate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – South-Africa. <\/strong><\/span>I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I would have died for something I don’t know about.”<\/p>\n

These were the words of a victim of a shooting incident in Westbury, which left six young people wounded.<\/p>\n

The five men and a woman were shot while standing near a block of flats on Wednesday, around 19:15.<\/p>\n

The block of flats allegedly belongs to the Fast Guns gang, which is in a continuing gun battle with rivals, the Varados.<\/p>\n

The two gangs have allegedly been fighting each other for some years now. Their battles have left many people dead.<\/p>\n

One of the victims told News24:<\/p>\n

“They pulled out guns from their jackets and opened fire on us. We scattered for cover. I ran to a nearby flat. The door was opened. I ran inside and hid in the bathroom. I later noticed that I was wounded.”<\/p>\n

Suspected Westbury gang leader and right-hand man granted bail<\/p>\n

“Even when I was hiding, the gunshots didn’t end. I was bleeding and was worried that I was going to die. After some time, the gunshots stopped. I walked outside and met my friends, who were also wounded. We all sustained gunshot wounds. A Samaritan arrived with his car and rushed us to the hospital. People later told us that they heard over 40 gunshots,” the victim said.<\/p>\n

According to some residents, who spoke anonymously for fear of being targeted, the gangs are battling over drug territory.<\/p>\n

Several residents approached by News24 refused to be interviewed, fearing for their lives.<\/p>\n

They claimed the area was “deteriorating” because of drug and gang wars.<\/p>\n

Role models<\/b><\/p>\n

“We have children, as young as 12, who have dropped out of school and joined gangs. Gangsters are role models to our children. Their fancy lives and money appeal to them.<\/p>\n

“They want to grow up and become like their heroes. Unfortunately, many of them end up being drug addicts. Some die young. We have a serious problem in our area. Our children are dying from guns and drugs,” a woman said.<\/p>\n

She added:<\/p>\n

“Some areas are a no-go zone for rival gang members. They remain in their territory and protect it with guns. There are many guns in our area, which contributes to these never-ending wars,” she said.<\/p>\n

Heavy police presence in Westbury after gangs’ court clash<\/p>\n

Some of the shooting victims have since been discharged from hospital. They suffered bullet wounds to their upper and lower bodies.<\/p>\n

A victim, who spoke to News24, pleaded not to be identified.<\/p>\n

“I am afraid to speak about our ordeal. I don’t know who our assailants are. I fear that they might return to finish what they started. This place is not safe for anyone. Whether you are a gang member or not, you can be killed for speaking to or walking with a gang member.”<\/p>\n

The victim said:<\/p>\n

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said they were investigating a case of attempted murder.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About South-Africa<\/a> Follow Africa-Press<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – South-Africa. I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I would have died for something I don’t know about.” These were the words of a victim of a shooting incident in Westbury, which left six young people wounded. 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