Two traumatised Mdantsane men caught on the frontline of gangsterism in Mdantsane have spoken about the aftermath of a Saturday night stabbing spree 10 days ago which left one person dead.
Andile Sitole and Nceba Siwendu who fought for their lives after being set upon by the 20-strong Pitbulls gang, were interviewed yesterday after Sitole left Cecilia Makiwane Hospital stitched, strapped and bandaged.
The wounds which will last longest are psychological and emotional.
The two men were among about 20 patrons randomly attacked at a popular hangout spot, AMG Bar and Grill in NU16 on March 7. The gang snatched cellphones and wallets.
Down the road, the gang allegedly found 20-year-old Tembani Bojana fixing his family car which had broken down on the roadside. He was stabbed 22 times and died in front of family and friends.
“It was like I was dreaming that day,” said Siwendu. “I had never experienced anything like that in my life. To be honest, the experience has left me traumatised.”
He said angrily: “I wish I could see them and stab them and they stab me back…”
Siwendu says the reason for the stabbing spree was a mystery as there had been no argument prior to the attack. “These boys just came stabbing everyone. They demanded to take the cigarettes that I sell to make a living. They wanted my money and cellphone as well and I told them I would never give it to them. That’s how the attack started. There were so many of them. More than 20.”
Siwendu was discharged from hospital last Tuesday while Sitole, who was stabbed 27 times, was only discharged yesterday.
He said: “I got to AMG and found those young boys cornering Nceba against the gate. They had their knives open. I asked what was going on and asked them to stop. Before I knew it one of them threw a stone at me. They came for me and I ran to the toilet. I tried to close the door. They kicked it down. Then they were all over me, stabbing. They left me in a pool of my own blood,” he said.
He is now unable to use his right hand and struggles to sleep.
“I’m in pain. There are stitches in my head and my back but the most painful ones are under my right armpit, my chest and arm,” Sitole said, adding that it would not be wise to look for revenge.
Soon after the attack Mdantsane police arrested seven suspects aged between 17 and 23 years old who were denied bail last week.
Three more suspects were arrested over the weekend said police spokesman Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku.
“They have been charged with murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The police are still looking for one more suspect,” Mzuku said.
Out of the 10 arrested suspects, two minors, aged 17, were released under parental supervision. —mamelag@dispatch.co.za
Traumatised victims speak out
Andile Sitole and Nceba Siwendu who fought for their lives after being set upon by the 20-strong Pitbulls gang, were interviewed yesterday after Sitole left Cecilia Makiwane Hospital stitched, strapped and bandaged.
The wounds which will last longest are psychological and emotional.
The two men were among about 20 patrons randomly attacked at a popular hangout spot, AMG Bar and Grill in NU16 on March 7. The gang snatched cellphones and wallets.
Down the road, the gang allegedly found 20-year-old Tembani Bojana fixing his family car which had broken down on the roadside. He was stabbed 22 times and died in front of family and friends.
“It was like I was dreaming that day,” said Siwendu. “I had never experienced anything like that in my life. To be honest, the experience has left me traumatised.”
He said angrily: “I wish I could see them and stab them and they stab me back…”
Siwendu says the reason for the stabbing spree was a mystery as there had been no argument prior to the attack. “These boys just came stabbing everyone. They demanded to take the cigarettes that I sell to make a living. They wanted my money and cellphone as well and I told them I would never give it to them. That’s how the attack started. There were so many of them. More than 20.”
Siwendu was discharged from hospital last Tuesday while Sitole, who was stabbed 27 times, was only discharged yesterday.
He said: “I got to AMG and found those young boys cornering Nceba against the gate. They had their knives open. I asked what was going on and asked them to stop. Before I knew it one of them threw a stone at me. They came for me and I ran to the toilet. I tried to close the door. They kicked it down. Then they were all over me, stabbing. They left me in a pool of my own blood,” he said.
He is now unable to use his right hand and struggles to sleep.
“I’m in pain. There are stitches in my head and my back but the most painful ones are under my right armpit, my chest and arm,” Sitole said, adding that it would not be wise to look for revenge.
Soon after the attack Mdantsane police arrested seven suspects aged between 17 and 23 years old who were denied bail last week.
Three more suspects were arrested over the weekend said police spokesman Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku.
“They have been charged with murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The police are still looking for one more suspect,” Mzuku said.
Out of the 10 arrested suspects, two minors, aged 17, were released under parental supervision. —mamelag@dispatch.co.za
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