JMPD Raises Alarm Over Surging Youth Gang Violence in Johannesburg: Urgent Calls for Action as Festive Season Looms
In a stark warning that has sent shockwaves through communities, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has voiced deep worry over a sharp rise in gang violence among the city’s young people.
This comes as authorities gear up for the busy festive season, a time when crime often spikes. The alert follows a horrific shooting in Westbury last week, where two teenagers were killed and five others badly hurt.
JMPD Chief of Police Patrick Jaca spoke out at a recent safety meeting, stressing that the department is teaming up with other groups to stamp out this growing threat. As families mourn and residents live in fear, the push is on for stronger steps to protect the youth and bring peace back to hotspots like Westbury.
The rise in violence has left many asking why gangs keep drawing in teens and what can be done to stop it. With police hunting suspects and communities calling for help, this issue highlights bigger problems like drugs, poverty, and weak policing in some areas. As the festive time nears, experts say quick action is key to avoid more loss.
The Westbury Tragedy: A Deadly Ambush on Innocent Teens
The latest heartbreak happened on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, in Westbury, a suburb long plagued by gang fights. Seven teenagers, aged between 13 and 19, were shot in what police believe was a gang-linked attack. Two—Diegan Ryters, 17, and Tigan du Plessis, 18—lost their lives, while four others were rushed to Helen Joseph Hospital with serious wounds. The seventh teen was treated on site and let go.
Survivors shared chilling stories. One teen told how his friend took bullets meant for him, painting a picture of a targeted hit in a house thought to be a drug spot. “He took the shots meant for me,” the survivor said, accusing police of working with gangs like the Varados to pin crimes on rivals. [3] The grandmother of two hurt boys now faces death threats, adding to the fear in the area. [3]
Police are on the hunt for four teen suspects, believed to be part of a local gang. Gauteng’s top cop, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, said all tools are out to catch them, with anti-gang units leading the charge. [3] This shooting fits a pattern in Westbury, where gangs like the Fast Guns and Varados fight for turf, often pulling in young kids as shooters.
The Facebook Threat: Online Gangs Fuel Real-World Fear
Adding to the worry, police are working to shut down a Facebook group called Fast Guns that’s been threatening male teens in Westbury. The group, linked to a local gang, posts warnings and brags about crimes, scaring families and egging on violence. [41] Gauteng’s cyber unit is on it, aiming to take it down and track those behind it.
This online side shows how gangs now use social media to scare people and recruit. Parents in Westbury say their kids live in constant fear, with threats spreading fast on platforms like Facebook. Police urge reporting such groups to help stop the cycle.
JMPD’s Response: More Patrols and Teamwork to Fight the Scourge
JMPD Chief Patrick Jaca called the violence a “scourge” that must end, saying the department is working hard with partners like private security to win the fight. “It is a process, and both agencies and other partners like private security and so on, we are involved in this to ensure that we win this war and it is very difficult for us as well,” Jaca said.
He noted the worrying trend of young kids carrying guns and joining shootings. “But one thing for sure is that we have seen a rise of youngsters, underage, being, you know, carrying firearms or involved in shooting people in these areas in Westbury.” To tackle this, JMPD has put special units on 24/7 duty in hotspots like Sophiatown, doing stop-and-searches to nab weapons and suspects. “But we are working, we are deploying, like in Sophiatown here, we are deploying on a 24-seven basis units to be around to ensure that they conduct stop and searches in these areas, and search as well is doing the same,” he added.
National Commissioner Fannie Masemola visited Westbury after the shooting, vowing to use all resources to find the killers. Police are also targeting illegal guns, a big driver of gang fights.
Why Teens Join Gangs: Experts Weigh In on the Pull Factors
Criminologists like Dr Ashwill Phillips say police often react after crimes instead of stopping them early. He points to poverty, broken families, and lack of jobs as reasons kids turn to gangs for belonging and money. “What is the attraction for teenagers to get involved with gangs?” experts ask, noting the thrill, protection, and cash from drugs or crime.
In coloured communities like Westbury, gang culture runs deep, with groups like the Americans and Mongrels fighting for turf. Kids as young as 13 get pulled in as shooters or runners, often because schools lack support or homes are unstable. ActionSA’s Dereleen James slammed the government for lacking the will to fight gangs, calling for more proactive steps.
The EFF also condemned the violence, calling for a crackdown on gangs. Community leaders say early programmes in schools and sports can pull kids away from the streets.
Past Incidents: Westbury’s Long Battle with Gangs
Westbury has long been a hotspot for gang violence. In June 2024, three murders in a week sparked fears. August 2024 saw more shootings, with residents living in “constant fear.” A cop investigating gangs was killed in September 2023, showing the risks even for police.
Protests often follow, with calls for more cops and community help. In 2023, residents marched against gangs after killings. These patterns show the need for lasting fixes, not just short-term patrols.
Festive Season Prep: Heightened Alert for Rising Crime
As the festive season nears, JMPD is ramping up plans to curb gang violence. With holidays bringing more people out, risks rise for shootings and robberies. “We are deploying on a 24-seven basis,” Jaca said, focusing on searches and hotspots.
Gauteng’s anti-gang strategy includes more units and community ties. But with teens involved, experts call for youth programmes to prevent joining gangs.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes TonyYengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za