By Refilwe Mphirime
Operation Wanya Tsotsi is a non-profit organisation established in March 2015 due the surge of gangsters within the Galeshewe community.
According to Gopolang Daniel “Spencer” Plaatje, there was a clear call from community members to have a public structure that would deal with gangsterism. Discussions took place among the ANC youth league and other entities within the community. On a Sunday afternoon, a meeting was called at Arena, where a mandate was given to those who felt a moral obligation to lead and stop this scourge that was destroying the community.
“A task team was assembled, with Tebogo Obusitse at the helm and we moved immediately, raiding hotspots now known as ghost shacks,” shared Gopolang.
“Gangsters were terrorising our communities and schools. We needed to protect our families and the society as a whole,” said Tebogo Obusitse, another founding member of Operation Wanya Tsotsi.
According to reports, killings were so rife that within one month, 17 murders were committed within Galeshewe by the youth and innocent members of the community fell victim.
“We felt that this could not carry on. There were several incidents of violence at cemeteries, which made it difficult to conduct funerals in peace. The violence was inhumane and disrespectful,” narrated Gopolang.
“During raids, we would find kids with an assortment of weapons. Therefore, we resorted to sjamboks because this gave us a prompt response, resulting in conflict between us and law enforcement. We only did what was necessary,” said Gopolang.
Since Wanya Tsotsi’s inception, the rate of heinous and gang-related cases has decreased.
Obusitse, vouched that the operation has restored calm in the community, with former perpetrators opting out of a life of crime and some joining the organisation.
Wanya Tsotsi has joined hands with 120 community members conducting night patrols in light of the recent lootings. Although the situation is relatively calm, there have been reports of minor incidents.
“We are risking our lives daily; however, it is for a worthy cause,” said a concerned participant.
Initially, the organisation had 120 members. It received funding from various stakeholders such the taxi association and business owners. Through the course of time, the cash injection dried out, but they still continued to fight crime with the little help they got. Lack of funding has resulted in failure to retain and recruit new members.
Gopolang says a pressing need for Wanya Tsotsi is to provide training for the members with regards to ways of handling violent individuals with mental issues, to avoid breaking the law. “We also need to acquire protective clothing such as gloves and pepper sprays to help us while on duty,” added Gopolang.
On the bright side businesses source security personnel from the organisation from time to time, which is a much needed aid for the members.
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