- Victims of the recent gang violence in Westbury fear for their lives.
- Six people were shot and wounded on Wednesday.
- It is alleged the shooting was related to the ongoing gang war.
"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.
The five men and a woman were shot while standing near a block of flats on Wednesday, around 19:15.
The block of flats allegedly belongs to the Fast Guns gang, which is in a continuing gun battle with rivals, the Varados.
The two gangs have allegedly been fighting each other for some years now. Their battles have left many people dead.
One of the victims told News24:
"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."
"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.
According to some residents, who spoke anonymously for fear of being targeted, the gangs are battling over drug territory.
Several residents approached by News24 refused to be interviewed, fearing for their lives.
They claimed the area was "deteriorating" because of drug and gang wars.
Role models
"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.
"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.
She added:
"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.
Some of the shooting victims have since been discharged from hospital. They suffered bullet wounds to their upper and lower bodies.
A victim, who spoke to News24, pleaded not to be identified.
"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."
The victim said:
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said they were investigating a case of attempted murder.
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