The children were caught on video in a smash and grab incident The footage begins with a car parked along Epping Avenue. Within seconds, a young boy is seen crossing the road toward the vehicle. He appears to hesitate briefly before attempting to smash the window.
Moments later, another boy approaches and forcefully breaks the glass. The driver immediately exits the vehicle and attempts to chase the boys away, at one point moving between the back and the front of the car in an effort to shield it from further damage. One of the boys runs in front of the vehicle, seemingly undeterred, while another is seen fleeing across the road with an object in his hand.
Across the street, the fleeing child is met by approximately four other boys, believed to be part of the same group. Throughout the incident, bystanders can be seen standing and watching as events unfold. Two of the boys appear to run back toward the car before abruptly turning away just as the video cuts off.
[paywall]
The clip has sparked outrage and renewed calls for intervention in the Leonsdale area. Imraan Mukkudam, CEO of the community-driven safety organisation Inspire Network, said the video reflects what residents have been experiencing for months. “That whole area in Leonsdale, especially Epping Avenue parallel to 9th Avenue, is extremely lawless,” he said.
According to Mukkudam, the incidents are allegedly being carried out by a consistent group of between 10 and 12 youths, believed to be between the ages of 15 and 19. “It’s the same group. They basically govern that whole stretch.
They are the ones doing the smash-and-grabbing. They don’t go to school. They are preying and looking for their next target,” he alleged.
While the circumstances surrounding the specific video remain unclear, Mukkudam cautioned motorists against confronting suspects. “We don’t know the context about why he was there at that moment, but to confront them is one of the most dangerous things for motorists to do,” he said.
[/paywall]
All Zim News – Bringing you the latest news and updates.