Turf war: Criminal gangs fighting for territory
Police in Reiger Park say they've been dealing with too many cases involving gun violence related to gang activities between New Year’s Eve and first couple of weeks of January.
Six shooting incidents were reported in different sections of the township during the start of the year.
Police and residents believe the shooting incidents show a resurgence of gang violence in the area.
According to the police, it emerged from their investigations that rival gangs in the area are behind the recent upsurge in violent crime.
Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the recent shooting incidents and they were identified by police as gang members.
However, all suspects were released after the complainants also believed to be gang members withdrew the charges.
“Fortunately, nobody was hurt, but it’s very frustrating that nobody is accountable for this shooting incidents,” says a police source.
The source says the feud between the rival gangs had begun after a dispute over gang territory.
“They are fighting over control of territory and drug markets in the township,” explains the source.
Another source says there had also been an increase in the accessibility of firearms and a “change in culture”, meaning more gangs are carrying guns.
In efforts to eradicate the problem, the police, CPF and other stakeholders have now chosen to focus on trying to work on the root causes of violence in the area.
A peace and justice committee was formed.
The aim is to bring peace among the rival gangs.
The committee has so far convened two meetings for the rival gangs. Seemingly, the initiative bears fruits, as tensions among the gangs have calmed down.
The committee welcomes all who seek to work on the root causes of violence in the township.
Last year, a massive police crackdown on street criminal groups disrupted crime in Reiger Park for a short while.
