Let’s build safer communities, together.

OPINION EDITORIAL BY MINISTER ALBERT FRITZ

When visiting a bereaved family in Uitsig some weeks ago, I was struck by how gangsterism, criminality and criminal impunity are undermining the sense of safety and security of families and entire communities. While I was there, I was told not to stand outside the walls of the house as I would be in the ‘firing zone’. I was told that the abandoned building in front of the bereaved family’s home was often used as a hiding spot for rival gangs before a shootout. I was told that residents of this particular street knew the cars and license plates of each resident because if a ‘different’ car pulled up, this could very well mean that bullets were about to start flying.

Uitsig and the experiences of this family are a microcosm of a rapidly deteriorating situation in many communities across the Province, particularly in the so-called 23 gang stations. It is for this reason that I am working tirelessly to put together, in partnership with my Department, communities and other levels of government; a comprehensive and sustainable set of measures aimed at building safer communities. However, we cannot begin building safer communities if the perpetrators of crime are allowed to operate without consequence.

Listen to the rest of his conversation with Benito Vergotine on The Honest Truth here: Minister Albert Fritz