Police visibility heightened amid ongoing Mitchells Plain gang war

The Lentegeur policing precinct has bolstered its police visibility with the deployment of an Anti-gang unit and other members to curb the ongoing gang violence in the area.

This follows a shooting incident at about 13:00 on Monday on the corners of Tritonia and Silvia Street, Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain which left two adult males between the ages 26 and 35 dead after they sustained bullet wounds to their upper bodies. Both were declared deceased at the scene by the medical personnel. Two more victims were hit and hospitalised with serious injuries to the body.

According to police, preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects travelling in a white Quantum minibus drove towards the victims when about three of them disembarked the vehicle and opened fire on the victims,

Lentegeur SAPS have since opened two counts of murder as well as two attempted murder cases for further investigation by detectives attached to the Anti-Gang unit. This as the incident is believed to be gang-related.

“Anyone with information regarding this shooting incident is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via MySAPS Mobile App.”

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Meanwhile, The Mitchells Plain sub-council chairperson, Elton Jansen, has called for immediate action and solutions to end the ongoing gang violence in the area. This follows a spate of fatal shooting incidents that have led to the deaths of several people, including a 6-year-old girl, in recent weeks.

Jansen says the senseless violence, particularly in Lentegeur and surrounding areas, has reached unacceptable levels, and immediate, unified action is needed to restore peace and safety.

” – Now, more than ever, it is crucial for all stakeholders—law enforcement, community organizations, schools, parents, faith-based institutions, and residents—to come together in pursuit of solutions.”

In a statement, the chairperson listed a number of demands to address the spike in violence.

These demands include:

SAPS and Law Enforcement: Increase visible policing, conduct daily stop-and-search operations, and ensure that gang hotspots are monitored 24/7. SAPS must work closely with community patrols, including the walking bus ladies, to protect learners travelling to and from school.
Community Members: If you have information about gang activities or individuals involved, report it immediately. Remaining silent perpetuates the cycle of violence.
Government and Civil Society: To continue giving trauma support and mobile community resource centres in affected areas, providing a space for residents to report incidents and receive counselling and assistance.
Local Businesses: Collaborate with authorities in high-risk areas, ensuring community safety after hours. The violence we are witnessing cannot continue. Every resource at our disposal must be mobilized to protect our residents and create safer spaces.

“We urge all community members to help in fostering peace. Talk to your families. Challenge the culture of silence. Let us be relentless in our fight against these gangsters.”