Gun violence continues to escalate on the Cape Flats, despite the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Local authorities had their hands full this long weekend, as several gun-related incidents were reported across the Cape Flats.
An unknown man was gunned down in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain, last night. In an unrelated incident, the body of an unidentified man was found in the Town Centre earlier this morning. The circumstances behind both attacks remain unknown.
Lynn Phillips, the Cape Flats Crime Forum Secretary (CFCF), has condemned the attacks, stressing that while the SANDF has been deployed, many of the latest reported incidents occurred when members were off-duty.
“While we have resources, such as the SANDF with Operation Prosper, murders continue when these resources are not on duty. I believe operational details should remain confidential, with no public broadcasts, parades, or radio messages, so that deployments are effective. Intelligence and monitoring should be handled internally by the SANDF to ensure success.”
Yesterday, an 18-year-old was shot and killed on the corner of Canal Road and Pearl Crescent, Vygieskraal. Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says the motive is believed to be gang-related.
“Athlone Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victim with gunshot wounds to his body. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
Authorities are investigating multiple incidents over the weekend in Kalksteenfontein, Hanover Park, Bishop Lavis, Manenberg, Delft, and surrounding areas. Activists argue that more proactive law enforcement strategies are needed to tackle crime and bring stability to the communities.
The Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum Chairperson, Graham Lindhorst, says while they appreciate the additional support offered by the SANDF, there are concerns that the deployment may not deliver the expected outcomes.
“The SANDF deployment is not a solution. Our problems are of a social nature and need social intervention. People have mixed emotions about the soldiers in the area; while some feel it helps, others feel they are too heavy-handed.”
Lindhorst has stressed that meaningful change can only happen when the South African Police Service (SAPS) and crime-fighting groups work collectively to combat crime.
“We reiterate our call to SAPS to work much closer with communities through CPFs, Neighbourhood Watches, organisations within the safety sector, etc. Come into the areas, talk to leaders, and look for ways to deal with the social ills.”
