Residents of Marikana informal settlement are living in fear after four teenagers were arrested for carrying an AK47 assault rifle in broad daylight.
The arrests happened on Wednesday, 17 September, after police responded to gunshots along Disa Road. Officers spotted four teenagers(19-year olds) walking with the weapon and, upon searching them, found an AK47 with 12 rounds, a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, and extra bullets. The suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on firearm charges.
Community members say the arrests bring little comfort, as armed gangs of teenagers continue to roam the area.“When it gets dark, we lock ourselves inside. We do not even go to the shop anymore,” one resident said. “If they walk with an AK47 during the day, what happens at night?”Residents accuse the gangs of demanding “protection fees” from spaza shops and robbing workers early in the morning.
Victims are often left without phones, wallets, or any valuables.“These boys are dangerous. They do not fear anyone,” another resident explained. “We are glad police caught these ones, but there are many more. This is just one group out of several that terrorize us.”
The arrests are a relief for families in Marikana, but the daily reality of living with fear remains unchanged.
Sub-Editor: Matlala Kgaugelo
