With drug turf wars driving gang-related attacks, former rival gang leaders have come together to end the generational curse of community violence which is now drawing teenagers into the killings
Life is cheap in Westbury, a crime-ridden township a few kilometres west of the Johannesburg CBD.
‘In fact, in Westbury you can lose your life for as little as R30,’ says Vernon Fritz, chairperson of local Community Policing Forum.
Police statistics for 2025 reveal that at least 70 people have lost their lives in Westbury due to gang violence. In fact, many residents live under a self-imposed curfew, often forced to stay indoors after 6:00 PM. Families report that children can no longer play outside due to the frequent exchange of fire.
Westbury has also seen a notable spike in violence involving teenagers, both as victims and perpetrators. In October 2025, a mass shooting left two teenagers dead and five others critically injured.
Violence is predominantly fuelled by “turf wars” for control of illicit drug sales. Gangs have established “no-go zones” for rivals, protecting their territory with firearms.
To counter the scourge of gangsterism and drug abuse in the community, leaders of rival gang leaders discarded their guns and knives to stop what they termed the ‘generational curse’ of community violence.
