The communities of Steenberg and Vrygrond are currently engulfed in a wave of fear as gang violence spirals out of control, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Over the past two weeks, 14 shooting incidents have been reported, with Lavender Hill alone recording a staggering 24 shots fired. Yet these concerning figures pale in comparison to the chaos unfolding in Vrygrond, which has become the epicentre of gang activity.
According to the Mayco member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, the violence is primarily driven by tensions between local taxi associations and the notorious JFK gang, who have been subjecting the community to extortion attempts.
‘The situation recently escalated when the Flakkas gang took advantage of the turmoil to challenge the Funky’s gang over lucrative drug territories, igniting a fierce turf war.’
‘Residents are caught in the middle, living in fear.’
‘We’ve deployed maximum resources to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in stabilising the area. Our ongoing assessment is crucial to identify how we can provide better support to law enforcement,’ Smith stated during a recent visit to the affected areas.
While the authorities ramp up their presence, Smith emphasised a proactive approach is necessary to combat the root of the violence. ‘It’s essential that we target the perpetrators directly and remove them from our community. This will be key to restoring peace in Steenberg and Vrygrond,’
He encouraged community members to play their part in addressing the violence by reporting any suspicious activities.
‘We have established a toll-free number, 0800 11 00 77, to facilitate anonymous tips. Your information will remain confidential and could be pivotal in reclaiming safety in these areas,’ he urged.
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Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
