Police deployed to Ipelegeng following violent confrontations

A large contingent of police have been deployed to Ipelegeng Township in Schweizer Reneke in the North West, following the outbreak of violent confrontations between two rival gangs.

The gangs, using names similar to acronyms of police units, have reportedly been clashing in the area.

Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Patrick Asaneng has deployed different police units to prevent an escalation of violence between the TRT and the Hawks Patrollers gangs.

“In responding to this problem of violence, which posed a serious threat to peace and stability in Ipelegeng township, Major General Asaneng immediately directed the acting district commissioner of Dr Ruth Mompati, Brigadier Tshelo Tlotleng, to activate the joint operational command centre (JOC) constituted by among others, local ward councilors, community police forum (CPF), local businesses, taxi associations, different government departments (like education, health and traffic) to ensure that the situation is dealt with speedily and without further escalation of unrest and tension,” says Asaneng.

Myburgh says the clashes resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man.

“Unfortunately, this senseless anarchy and violence has resulted the brutal death of a 19-year-old victim. The victim was allegedly found lying dead with stab wounds in the chest on Tuesday evening along the Amalia/Schweizer Reneke road,” says Myburgh.