A Winnipeg gang is spreading into other parts of Canada, says a new report.
The report was presented as an exhibit at a sentencing hearing for two members of the African Mafia, Thon Guot and Mayen Madit, who were convicted of drug trafficking.
The report also outlines some of the violence that has plagued Winnipeg. A turf battle over drugs between the African Mafia and Mad Cowz led to the killing of teenager Phil Haiart, who was a bystander caught in the crossfire between the two gangs in 2005.
Some gang members later left the African Mafia and formed another gang called ABM, or All 'Bout Money. Police say an ABM member opened fire in broad daylight at African Mafia members in a vehicle in August 2008 on Pembina Highway. Because of uncooperative witnesses, no arrests have been made, say officials. Many of the gang members come from war-torn countries and have been familiar with violence since a young age, say officials.
Police say the problem has expanded beyond Winnipeg with a number of gang members having travelled to Brooks, Alberta because of its large African population.
Some gang members have relocated to Alberta to further their criminal enterprises while others have moved to avoid detection from law enforcement, says the report. Some have already been arrested on a variety of offences.
In Winnipeg, Abdi Muuse of the Winnipeg Somali Confederation Union says better recreation facilities where kids could play sports or socialize would help more people avoid gang activity in the city.
The sentencing hearing for the two African Mafia gang members resumes in March.
- with a report from CTV's Kelly Dehn
