National Police Commissioner Sounds Alarm on Young ‘Runners’ After Westbury Gang Shooting

Children as Young as 13 Drawn Into Gang Violence

A chilling mass shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg, has brought national attention to a worrying trend: children being used as gang “runners.” National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola expressed deep concern after two teenagers were killed on Croesus Street and five others were hospitalised following the Tuesday afternoon attack.

“The involvement of school-aged children in gangs is disturbing,” Masemola said, noting that the youngest victim among the survivors is just 13 years old. The two teens who died were 17 and 19 years old, highlighting how quickly children are drawn into violent networks.

Gang Culture and the ‘Runner’ Phenomenon

Masemola described “runners” as young teens who perform the dirty work for older gang leaders. “These children are recruited at very young ages,” he said, adding that legal intervention is often limited. When minors are arrested, many cases are withdrawn or diverted to counselling and community programmes, making the fight against gang violence an uphill battle.

The commissioner stressed that parental and community involvement is critical. “It cannot be allowed that children engage in gambling, smoking, or criminal activities at this age. Discipline starts at home,” he said, questioning parents who fail to monitor their children’s activities.

Police Efforts and Community Challenges

Westbury is one of eight Gauteng communities where the anti-gang unit has been deployed, alongside Eldorado Park, Langlaagte, and Reiger Park. Since January, police have arrested 19 gang members for crimes including possession of illegal firearms, drugs, and involvement in gang-related murders. Eleven gangsters have already been sentenced to prison, according to Masemola.

Despite these efforts, police face resistance from some residents, with officers reportedly attacked while making arrests. Masemola called for cooperation, urging communities to report wrongdoing and support law enforcement initiatives.

Masemola to Visit Westbury

The commissioner is set to visit Westbury on Wednesday morning, starting at Sophiatown Police Station and monitoring police deployments in the area. He confirmed that police have identified the four suspects responsible for the shooting, and authorities are confident they will be apprehended.

A Broader Warning to Communities and Parents

Masemola’s message was clear: the battle against gang violence is not just a police fightit requires a united front. “We will win this war, but parents and guardians must come on board,” he said. Social media has already amplified the call, with residents echoing the need for stronger home supervision and community accountability to protect young lives.

The Westbury tragedy serves as a stark reminder that gang violence in South Africa is evolving, with children increasingly at risk. Without concerted community action, the trend of minors as gang “runners” may continue to grow.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com