Khayelitsha youth dies in gang wars

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

Ntomboxolo Sigabi is comforted by family as she mourns the death of her 17-year-old son . Photo: Cindy Waxa

A 17 year old from Khayelitsha is believed to be the latest victim of gang rivalry between the Italians and the Vato-Slokos which is said to be terrorising the community.

Abongile Sigabi was killed after being shot twice while walking with a group of friends in Ilitha Park last Saturday. He was on his way home in Site D, Khayelitsha, after a friend’s funeral. His friend was stabbed and killed in front of him two weeks ago in a gang-related incident.

His brother, Ndiphiwe Sigabi, 20, said the two gangs, the Italians from Site B and the Vato-Slokos in Sections A to G, are holding the community hostage to the point that it’s not safe to leave the house, even during the day.

“We now walk around the area in pairs as it’s not safe around here even if you are going to a shop around the corner. If you are from here (Site D) there are certain areas you are not allowed to go to. If they (the Italians) see you coming from here they think you are a member of the Vatos and you will be stabbed or shot,” he said.

Sigabi insists his brother’s murder was a case of mistaken identity. “He was shot by one of the older guys, they thought he was a member of the Italians.”

Police spokesman Captain Frederick Van Wyk said Abongile had two gunshot wounds to his buttocks. He died at the Khayelitsha Day Hospital.

The gang war has been raging for more than a year in Khayelitsha. It is believed it was started over the theft of a cellphone and has since resulted in a series of stabbings and shootings in the area.

nontando.mposo@inl.co.za

Cape Argus