Cape Town residents demand action against escalating gang violence

Outrage is growing over the perceived out of control crime situation in various communities across Cape Town, with various marches held since Sunday and initiatives put forward to put and end to the reign of terror that  criminal gangs have unleashed.

In Mitchells Plain religious leaders said they're introducing 13 “safe zones” aimed at combating the persistent gang violence bedevilling the community. This was announced after an interfaith march in the area against persistent gang violence, led by Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba.

Overcome Heights residents from the Muizenberg informal settlement returned to Parliament on Friday, chaining themselves to the precinct gates to demand urgent action from Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia  on the ongoing gun violence in their area. This was after they did the same earlier in the week.

Also yesterday, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has called for the introduction of cellphone signal-blocking technology at Pollsmoor Prison and said he wrote to Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald this week expressing concern that criminal activities are being coordinated by cellphone from within Pollsmoor.

The interfaith initiative  unfolded during a gathering at the Mitchells Plain Town Centre mosque and police station, where over 100 community members gathered, including families impacted by gang violence, local neighbourhood watch members, crime activists, and spiritual leaders. This coalition stood united, calling for peace and safety within their communities. The solemn ceremony featured symbolic gestures, including the placement of red roses at the police station and incense burning, evoking a deep sense of peace.

“God's children are living in fear, they [are] being killed, and I took it upon myself to come here to plead with the community to stand together and build a community for all,” Archbishop Makgoba implored attendees. “Every child, every human being that was killed nubs his soul and fractures communities even further.” His words resonated deeply, underlining the urgent need for collective action.

Bishop Mark Bloemstein said these designated areas, hosted in churches, mosques, schools, NGOs, and crèches, will provide trusted spaces where residents can voice concerns about crime confidentially.

“Crime is sin and sin is crime, and as religious leaders we are using our platform to end this violence. We are convinced that both the perpetrator and the victim are victims of a system that robbed them of opportunities,” he stated, acknowledging the complex realities that drive individuals into cycles of violence.

Imam Rashied Omar welcomed the initiative, emphasising the vital role of interfaith collaboration in providing support for vulnerable community members. “It is crucial that we work together across faiths to support our communities,” he affirmed. “These safe zones are an opportunity for all of us to provide guidance, protection and a voice to those who feel vulnerable.”

Each safe zone will be marked with a sign reading, “You are now entering a safe zone.” Information collected from these areas will be personally delivered to local authorities by the participating religious leaders, who harbour hopes that the initiative will stabilise Mitchells Plain before expanding to other high-violence communities. “These safe spaces are already being implemented in all parts of Mitchells Plain, particularly in red zones, which will receive additional support to enhance their efficiency,” explained Bloemstein.

On his call for cellphone signals to be jammed at Pollsmoor, Hill-Lewis said the City has received various reports that crime and extortion activity is being coordinated by phone from within Pollsmoor.

"On a recent roads project inspection in Bishop Lavis, I was informed that the contractor had left the site due to extortion threats made by phonecall from an underworld figure inside Pollsmoor."

Overcome Heights community leader Karen Mentoor said the depth of frustration and fear was driving their protest.

"We are fighting for our families and our children. Our kids can't go to school because of this. They are traumatised. Even this morning, the cleaners called; they can't go into the area. There were supposed to be a lot of women here, but bodies were lying there in the area after another shooting."