Western Cape gang wars claim 58 children since January

Children continue to fall victim to gang violence in the Western Cape, as wars for turf and other issues grip communities across the province.

Between January and 12 June 2024, the Western Cape Health and Wellness Department reports that 58 children were killed by a firearm. Three of the children who died as a result of a firearm this year are under the age of 3.

In 2022, child homicides due to firearms stood totalled 83. The department’s Byron La Hoe says the six children under 10 years old were killed that year. Last year (2023), that total increased slightly to 89 children killed due to a firearm. La Hoe added that 10 children under the age of 10 were killed.

“At the current rate, the number of firearm related homicides in 2024 in children, could exceed 100 by year end,” read the report.

The report further noted that 333 children were treated for gunshot wounds.

IMAGE: Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness

The civil rights group, Action Society, noted that 23,800 children have been hospitalised for other forms of assault. Namely stabbings, blunt assault and gender-based violence.

The group’s Kaylynn Palm noted that there are well-known hotspots for gang-related activity. She urged government to take decisive action to ensure the safety of children in areas like Manenberg, Hanover Park, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Nyanga.

“We are calling on the government for a focused and deliberate intervention to root out gangsterism… We can’t have a future in South Africa if our children aren’t safe to go to school or to get a haircut.”

La Hoe noted that gun violence has a devastating impact on children and their families, leading to significant morbidity and mortality and imposing a preventable burden on the health system.

He says to address the issue will take a collaborative approach. The challenge, La Hoe, says is prevent it from reoccurring.

“This requires intersectoral collaboration, ensuring communities are safe for children, strengthening firearm legislation and the implementation of this legislation.”