What began as simmering gang tensions in Drieziek has exploded into a deadly crisis, turning the once-quiet community into a war zone.
On Sunday, 14 April, chaos erupted when a gang allegedly known as “50” launched a violent attack in Drieziek 4, allegedly targeting rival gang members. Ironically, the night ended in tragedy for the gang itself when one of their own, Ntando, was fatally stabbed during the confrontation.
The violence escalated the very next day. Another gang member, known as Mshiso, was killed and several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. But the bloodshed didn’t stop in the streets – it spilled into local schools. A learner was attacked at Thetha Secondary School, prompting an emergency closure as panicked parents pulled their children out, fearing for their safety.
Sources allege the conflict was triggered by a previous stabbing incident, in which a Drieziek 4 gang member, Mau-Mau, was reportedly attacked by 50 members.
What was once a gang feud has now become a full-blown community crisis.
Orange Farm SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Shaan Motsapi, confirmed the deaths and said four others were injured.
“Police swiftly responded and addressed the violence. We have also deployed Public Order Policing to monitor the area and the situation,” he told Orange Farm News.
While the streets have calmed in recent days, the fear remains. In a live social media video, gang members were seen vowing revenge – fuelling concerns that more violence could follow.
Before this week’s carnage, residents had already been living in fear. The gangs have been terrorising the community for months – robbing, stabbing and intimidating residents in broad daylight. They roam the streets in large numbers, wearing two – tone Dickies trousers and big earrings, often visibly armed with dangerous weapons such as jungle knives and pangas. Despite repeated cries for help, authorities failed to act. It took a string of deaths and the breakdown of public safety for those in power to finally take notice.
As Orange Farm News continues to follow this developing story, the community’s message is clear: they want peace, protection and an end to the violence.
