The vicious cycle continues in land of broken dreams

[caption id="attachment_38540" align="alignright" width="300"] LIFE SENTENCE: A Blink Boemelaars member says gangs around Port Elizabeth are becoming more appealing to disenchanted youth[/caption]

"IS jy mal [are you mad]? Gangsterism will never end in this city – there is just too much unemployment and corruption. Three children out of a class of 30 might avoid gangsterism, but there will always be three more to take their place."

That is the opinion of a gang member – desperate, but too afraid to leave his gang – caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle of fighting to survive since he dropped out of high school when he was 14.

Now, the Blink Boemelaars member, who has asked that his identity be withheld for his safety, has seen how gangsterism continues to grow and gangs increase in appeal, arrogance and aggression.

"Imagine you're a laaitie [small boy] on the streets of Helenvale. Your older siblings are members of gangs and the one cousin who managed to break the cycle has never returned to Katanga [Helenvale] since he left," the 19-year-old said. - Herald Reporter