Port Elizabeth police have issued a warning to community members that they are not above the law.
This, after videos emerged of armed civilians proceeding through the streets of Helenvale on foot and in a large convoy of cars using loud hailers to call out gangsters in the area on Sunday.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the videos were posted on social media and they've opened a case in terms of the Gatherings Act.
She said the convoy was stopped by police as they entered Extension 31 in Bethelsdorp and were eventually dispersed by the police.
Police are warning community members that all marches must be done within the ambit of the law.
"Acts such as this is seen as counteracting our efforts of constructive and meaningful engagements with community leaders and religious fraternities. The SAPS will not allow a state of lawlessness while stamping the authority of the State," said Naidu
Meanwhile, the designated spokesperson for the group of civilians said that the convoy was much needed as a response to the pleas of besieged communities in Bethelsdorp and Gelvandale policing areas.
Community leader and crime fighter, Hakeem Vincencie, said that in the past few weeks at least 25 people were killed in gang-related shootings in those areas alone.
He also admitted that they did not have formal permission from authorities for their action, but said they were well-intentioned and well-received in Helenvale, Salt Lake and Arcadia.
Vincencie was also candid about the actions of some members in the convoy who wore balaclavas, bullet-proof vests and openly carried firearms saying he was not happy with this.
He said the response from the community was overwhelming. He said the community was "gatvol" and could not allow a group of gangsters to terrorize communities.
He said the positive in this instance outweighed the negative.
Several private security companies also supported the convoy.
