Children have not been spared of the carnage as crimes related to gang activity have gripped the Western Cape over the last three months with more murders happening in the province than any other.
Also read: Anonymous tip-off leads to arrest in Manenberg this weekend
Between April and June, nearly 1000 people were murdered in the province, 166 or 17.7% of which were gang-related.
There were also 225 attempted murders linked to gangsterism.
In terms of children, aged 0 to 17, 43 were killed over the period while there were also an additional 78 attempts on young lives.
Earlier this week, provincial police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, joined by Premier Alan Winde and Safety and Police Oversight MEC Reagan Allen, shared the first quarter of the 2023/24 crime statistics for the province, amid rival gang flare-ups in Manenberg, which saw some schools sending pupils home early.
‘Gang-related crime is a big issue in the Western Cape because shootings, extortion, drugs and other crimes all link up to this problem,’ siad the Premier. ‘We have been looking at how these challenges can be dealt with and we are in the process of finalising this.’
‘We want input from criminologists, judges and other experts to find solutions.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Get a R250 voucher towards an unforgettable dining experience at Scala Pasta Bar for only R99. Get it here.
‘We are still awaiting response from SAPS on our offer to pay for lifestyle audits stands.
‘I would like to see more stern action and consequences such as arrests that lead to people being sentenced.’.
The provincial police commissioner said that they had two issues namely gangs fighting over turf and leadership.
‘The use of technology such as gunfire-detection technology Shotspotter and CCTV has assisted in some cases and arrests have been made.
‘Our current approach in places like Manenberg is to stabilise the area. There have been a number of operations working with teams like anti-gang units.
‘We are also anticipating new recruits meaning more boots on the ground,’ he said.
Looking for a deal on a car, but tight on a budget? Have a look at these offers for under R100 000. View the deals here.
Also read:
Teenagers killed on Youth Day in gang-related shooting in Mitchells Plain
Picture: Kindel Media / Pexels