Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia voices alarm over youth gang recruitment

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has expressed concern over the rampant recruitment of youth into gangs in Johannesburg, stating that children as young as 13 are involved in organised crime. Cachalia was speaking to media after a closed session with residents in Westbury on Monday.

The Westbury community has been battling with violent crimes, with the most recent incident claiming two teenagers’ lives.

READ: SAPS to visit Westbury, Reiger Park after fatal attacks

Senior police officials, residents, and Johannesburg's executives gathered in Sophiatown to find solutions to address the scourge of gang-related crimes. Some Westbury community leaders said they are forced to live in a community where the youth are responsible for the terror they face.

They also shared that they need tangible solutions from law enforcement.

Cachalia detailed the extent of the problem: “I was told today that the young boys are being recruited between the ages of 13 and 19. They’re supposed to be in school. They’re supposed to be looking forward to a bright future. But unfortunately, these communities are in a position where they feel marginalised.”

The ministry is now set to engage with the Reiger Park community, east of the city, which is struggling with the same issue.

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