Westbury Gang Violence: Teens as Young as 13 Recruited

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has issued a stark warning about a disturbing criminal trend in Westbury. He confirmed that gangs are systematically recruiting young teenagers to traffic drugs and perform other criminal tasks.

Alarming Recruitment of Minors

General Masemola disclosed that police operations have uncovered evidence of children as young as 13 being used by gang leaders. These minors act as runners and lookouts. This revelation follows a series of violent shootings in the community, including an incident that resulted in the deaths of two teenagers and left several others wounded. The police commissioner expressed deep concern, noting that a significant number of suspects encountered during raids are minors.

“We have found that children as young as 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are being used as runners by older gang members and leaders,” Masemola stated. He emphasized that these young individuals are recruited at a very early age to do the dangerous work for older criminals. This exploitation of Westbury teenagers represents a severe escalation in local gang tactics.

Challenges and Community Action

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Prosecuting these cases presents a major challenge, as many of those involved are underage. Masemola urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility, stressing the importance of monitoring their children’s activities. “All the children should have been in school classrooms. It must start at home where discipline and guidance are given,” he said. His visit to the area was prompted by the recent surge in gang violence.

Authorities have arrested at least 19 suspects linked to gangs this year for various offenses, including possession of illegal firearms and drugs. The police strategy will include targeting “lolly lounges,” which are informal drug dens often frequented by schoolchildren. The goal is to disrupt the pipeline that draws Westbury teenagers into a life of crime. No arrests have been made yet in connection with the latest shootings, but police investigations continue actively.