THUGS THREATEN TO TAKE REVENGE

KZN Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Mxolisi Kaunda has vowed to put Umlazi under police guard from today.

An unconfirmed WhatsApp message is doing the rounds on social media, warning that car thieves will be out in full force in the kasi as of today.

The threats are said to stem from the killing of well-known thug, Sandile “Chillies” Bhengu.

He was killed during a shoot-out with police last Wednesday after he was found with a stolen Toyota Corolla.

Word has it in the kasi that Sandile was a car tracker jamming specialist, and that after his associates had hijacked or stolen cars in town, he would remove the tracking devices for them.

The WhatsApp message reads: “To all men from Umlazi, thieves are readily waiting with their guns from Wednesday.

“We’ll be out in full force shooting and burning car models like BMW, 
Corolla, Polo Vivo, Toyota Yaris, Mercedes Benz, Quantum and close off with a police van.

“If TRT (Tactical Response Team) is brave enough, it can come. We’ll be waiting for it. Rest in peace, soldier. We’ll not stop stealing cars.”

Captain Nqobile Gwala said they didn’t know if the message was true, or where it had come from.

“However, have arranged extra police to monitor the area to ensure the safety of residents, in case the message turns out to be true,” said Gwala.

Kaunda said they won’t allow criminals to govern the country.

“If they intend to cause chaos, we as police will return fire with fire to protect residents,” said Kaunda.

He said they would go as far as stopping today’s memorial service and night vigil.

“It’s not our intention to abuse the family, but if they don’t ensure mourners mourn in an acceptable way, we’ll intervene,” said Kaunda.