Residents of Newlands East are demanding urgent intervention after a group of young adult males, aged between 21 and 26, were allegedly mugged, stabbed and violently assaulted by suspects believed to be well known in the community.
Dr Nadia Bernon, a GBV activist, said her son was robbed, beaten and stabbed in the head in a vicious attack that has left him traumatised and recovering from his injuries.
“He was robbed, assaulted and stabbed in the head by these boys. This is not the first time. They keep targeting him, bullying and victimising him because they see him as an easy target,” she said.
Bernon revealed that the abuse has allegedly been ongoing for years, with her son repeatedly targeted due to his speech impediment.
“They have always picked on him because of his stuttering. They schooled together, and the torment has never stopped,” she said.
In a further blow, Bernon said a video of the assault was allegedly circulated on social media before the case was formally opened, showing her son being beaten.
“It is heartbreaking. Not only was he attacked, but the incident was shared on social media. It is humiliating and traumatising,” she said.
The incident, which unfolded late at night, saw the injured young man rushed to King George V Hospital, where he received treatment until the early hours of the morning. His family later opened a case at Newlands East Police Station, with the matter officially registered shortly after 5am. A detective is expected to be assigned.
Four suspects have been identified and named in the case, with allegations that at least two were armed with firearms during the attack.
In a separate but related incident, another young man from the same area was reportedly robbed of his cellphone, shot at and severely beaten by the same group. According to Bernon, the victim’s mother said he is too afraid to come forward.
“He is scared for his life. They keep attacking him, tormenting him and even shooting at him. He doesn’t want to report it because he fears retaliation,” she said.
The woman, who lives a road away from the suspects in the Stumpnose area, said she has endured years of fear and intimidation. Speaking anonymously, she revealed that her home had previously been targeted.
“They have even shot at my windows before. I had to replace them. I am tired of living in fear,” she said.
She added that she is willing to speak out but fears further attacks if her identity is revealed. The suspects are believed to be from Haddock and Tandipa roads, with residents claiming they are widely known in the area.
Community members allege the group has been linked to ongoing criminal activities, including drug dealing and illegal firearm possession, with some believed to have pending cases.
Fear has gripped the community, with many victims choosing to remain silent.
“People are scared to open cases because they fear for their lives. It’s time these individuals are held accountable,” said one resident.
The injured young man sustained multiple bruises to his knees and elbows, along with a serious stab wound to the head. His mother said he tried to fight back but was overpowered.
Residents say the violence has created a climate of fear among young people.
“This cannot continue. Our children are not safe. Everyone knows who these individuals are, yet nothing is being done,” they said.
There are also growing concerns about safety in residential areas, particularly where children are present, with residents warning that unchecked criminal behaviour poses a wider risk to the community.
Parents are now urging law enforcement authorities to act decisively.
“We want justice. Those responsible must be arrested before something worse happens,” Bernon said.
At the time of publication, no arrests had been confirmed. However, KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that cases have been opened.
“Police in Newlands East have opened cases of attempted murder and robbery after a 25-year-old man was allegedly attacked by suspects known to him. Reports indicate that on 30 March 2026, the victim was walking along Haddock Crescent when he was ambushed by the suspects, who assaulted him and robbed him of his money. The motive of the attack is unknown,” said Netshiunda.
