Nine teenagers arrested for alleged murder of 16-year-old boy in Welkom

Public Order Police’s (POP) reaction anti-gang unit team arrested nine teenage boys for the alleged murder of a fellow student on Thursday, 21 November 2019 in Welkom. 

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident came after a fight broke out between a group of boys from G-Hostel and Moeletsi Hostel, who then attacked boys at A-Hostel on Wednesday 20 November 2019.

“A 16-year-old boy died as a result of the conflict, said SAPS Colonel Thandi Mbambo.”

“Members of Welkom’s POP reaction unit received information about the alleged murder early on Thursday morning and immediately followed up, resulting in the arrests of four boys aged 18, three aged 19, one aged 17, and one 16-year-old,” Mbambo said.

Wooden sticks and sjamboks were also confiscated.

Teenager succumbs to injuries 

The 16-year-old victim who resided at Moeletsi Hostel, succumbed to injuries sustained during the fight. The teenager was stabbed in the chest and had lacerations on his right arm.

The reason for the fight is not yet clear, but SAPS confirmed that none of the boys belong to any gangs in the area.

Mbambo said: “ The other suspects also alleged to be part of the fight are currently on the run. Police investigations are continuing.”

The nine suspects are due to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Friday 22 November 2019.

Crime statistics show a trend

South African crime statistics, released in September 2019 revealed that 736 of the 21 022 murders recorded by police, between April 2018 and March 2019 were committed by children. 

Two teenagers arrested for alleged murder of pupil two months ago

As reported by TimesLive, two Durban teenagers aged 14 and 15 were arrested just two months ago in September, for the alleged murder of a fellow pupil.

According to police, the shooting took place in the vicinity of the school.

“He sustained a shot wound on the abdomen and was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injury,” said police spokesman Colonel Thulani Zwane.