Westbury Under Siege: SAPS Commissioner Slams Growing Gang Involvement of Children

SAPS National Commissioner Gen. Fanie Masemola 

In response to a worrying surge in gang-related violence in Westbury, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has expressed deep concern over the recruitment and exploitation of minors by criminal gangs. Following a high-level briefing with Gauteng police leadership, Masemola revealed that children as young as 13 are being used as gang runners, with recent cases confirming this alarming trend across several parts of the country.

The Commissioner noted the increasing difficulty in prosecuting underage offenders, as many cases are withdrawn in court and the minors diverted to counselling or community service programmes. “We are fighting an uphill battle,” he stated, “and we will not win it without the full support of parents and guardians.”

The recent deaths of two teenagers, aged 17 and 19, in gang-related incidents have heightened urgency. The youngest survivor was just 13. Masemola confirmed that police are engaging the homeowner—who is also the mother of one of the boys—for questioning. “How was this allowed to happen?” he asked, condemning the exposure of children to environments involving gambling and smoking.

Masemola stressed that discipline and monitoring must start at home. “The family unit plays an essential role in assisting the police. These children should be in school, not on the streets.”

Westbury is one of eight gang-affected communities in Gauteng where SAPS has deployed the Anti-Gang Unit. Others include Eldorado Park, Toekomsrus, Langlaagte, Reiger Park and Nigel. Despite intensified efforts, officers continue to face hostility from residents. “It is deeply concerning that some members of the community shield gangsters and attack officers during arrests,” he said.

Since January, 19 gang members in Westbury have been arrested, with charges ranging from drug possession to gang-related murder. Eleven have been convicted. Masemola commended the Anti-Gang Unit for their ongoing collaboration with the Provincial Commissioner and confirmed the existence of a solid plan to combat gang activities. However, he stressed that police efforts alone are not enough. “We need the community to work with us and report wrongdoing.”

SAPS continues to strengthen operational capacity and adjust strategies in line with shifting crime patterns. The Commissioner reiterated that the battle against gangs will not be won through policing alone, but through collective action by families, schools, and communities.

General Masemola will visit Westbury on 22 October 2025, starting at Sophiatown Police Station and continuing to assess police deployments in the area. He concluded with a clear message: “We know who we are looking for, and we are confident we will find the perpetrators, believed to be four teenagers.”