By Twink Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In the bustling city of Blantyre, a group of young men known as the B13 gang has been causing havoc by extorting and terrorizing students and teachers in various schools, including Mulambalala and Chitawira.
The B13 gang, comprised of boys as young as 15 years old, are notorious for wielding machetes and intimidating students and teachers in schools. Recently, members of the gang were reported to have invaded Mulambalala School, where they demanded money, clothes, shoes, phones, and textbooks from the teachers.
Mrs. Khosi, the headteacher at Mulambalala School, expressed concern over the gang’s activities, noting that they have been threatening and extorting teachers regularly. Despite her efforts to involve the police, the B13 gang continues to operate with impunity.
The gang, known for its violence and intimidation tactics, has earned a reputation for its brazen extortion schemes. They target teachers who work in vulnerable schools such as MUBAS and MCA, demanding money and valuables under threat of violence.
Meanwhile, in Blantyre, another gang known as the Namaskin group has emerged, calling themselves “B13 Thawa Pansewu.” This gang specifically targets teachers and individuals who are out shopping for various items in the city.
The Namaskin gang members operate openly on the streets of Blantyre, harassing and robbing unsuspecting individuals. Their activities have escalated tensions in the city, leading to fear and uncertainty among residents and teachers alike.
Despite the growing concern over the gangs’ activities, the Blantyre police have remained silent on the matter, failing to address the escalating violence and extortion plaguing the city.
However, a soche police officer speaking on condition of anonymity said they arrested the suspects causing havoc around the mentioned school but an organisation called CHREAR facilitated their release citing they were minors and was against their human rights to be detained with adults.
Efforts to talk to Victor Mhango , CHREA’s Executive Director did not yield results as his phone kept on calling.
In light of these developments, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the issue of student extortion in Blantyre.
Teachers, students, and residents must work together with law enforcement to combat the activities of these criminal gangs and ensure the safety and security of all individuals in the city.
As the B13 gang continues to terrorize schools and communities in Blantyre, it is imperative that authorities take decisive action to bring an end to their criminal activities and restore peace and stability in the city.
Only through concerted efforts and collaboration can we put an end to the menace of student extortion in Blantyre.
