Crime fighters and civic organisations are calling for a halt to the ongoing wave of gang-related violence and for the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to the Cape Flats.
This follows a string of deadly shootings that have claimed more than 16 lives since this past weekend, according to the Cape Argus.
The most recent incident unfolded on Monday in Manenberg, where three people were shot inside a home on Cyclone Road (Daily Voice).
Police confirmed that one man died on the scene while two others were rushed to a nearby emergency centre for treatment.
‘A 35-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded and two others aged 39 and 53 injured. The 35-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The injured victims were taken to a nearby emergency centre for treatment,’ Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk stated.
He added that three men entered the house and randomly started shooting at the victims before fleeing.
‘The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation,’ noted Van Wyk.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Sunday morning, a young man was gunned down while working on his car on the corner of Stock Road and Govan Mbeki in Philippi.
Later that evening, five young men were shot and wounded on the corner of Dulah Omar and Yolandi Du Preez streets in Fisantekraal.
The weekend also saw a triple murder in Delft, where three people were shot in Sandriver Street, Leiden. Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut said the victims were approached by unidentified individuals who opened fire on them before fleeing the scene. The motive is believed to be gang-related.
Traut confirmed that police have ‘bolstered deployments’ in Delft as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the area and curb gang violence.
Community leaders and anti-crime activists say enough is enough. Abie Isaacs, chairperson of the Cape Flats Safety Forum (CFSF), called for national intervention.
‘We have noted the escalation in crime on the Cape Flats with specific reference to gang violence,’ Isaacs said.
‘We continue to call for SANDF deployment to assist SAPS in stabilising these affected areas and act as force multipliers. We have seen shooting continue unabated against the backdrop of a safer festive season launch that was held a month ago.’
Fellow activist Hanif Loonat echoed the call for stabilisation, describing the toll of the violence as devastating.
‘As a crimefighter, I’ve seen the pain, the wasted potential, and the silent tears that follow every senseless shooting. This tragedy isn’t just about one life lost; it’s about the breakdown of families, communities, and the values that once held us together,’ said Loonat.
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