The Cape Flats Safety Forum (CFSF) has raised alarm over a sharp increase in violence against women and children on the Cape Flats. This comes after two women were shot and killed, and a 12-year-old boy was wounded in Portlands, Mitchell’s Plain, yesterday.

Read more: : Two women killed, 12-year-old wounded in Portlands domestic dispute

CFSF Secretary Lynn Phillips has called on authorities to urgently investigate the sources of illegal firearms to help curb the ongoing bloodshed.

“Authorities need to dig deeper into how freely guns circulate in our communities. These are the weapons being used to kill our women and children.”

Phillips also urged women to speak out against abuse and injustice as the country prepares to mark the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.

“We’ve seen a worrying increase in women being shot recently. With the 16 Days of Activism approaching, we want to encourage women to speak up so that authorities have proper records of these crimes.”

Phillips commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift response in apprehending the suspect linked to the Portlands shooting and called for justice to be served.

“We urge the authorities to act quickly and ensure the perpetrator faces the full might of the law. Women and children remain among the most vulnerable and defenceless when it comes to gun violence and any form of abuse.”