EFF and PAGAD take on gangs

Community members, political activists, and anti-crime groups clashed with skollies in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain on Friday to confront drug and gang activity in the area.

The protest, led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad G-Force), lasted several hours and was marked by tense confrontations between demonstrators, gang members, and law enforcement.

According to EFF Western Cape representatives, the protest was organised in response to calls from the Eastridge community concerned about the persistent presence of drug dens and gang violence.

The party extended invitations to various faith-based and political organisations, but only Pagad G-Force joined the demonstration.

Protesters moved through several locations identified by residents as suspected drug hotspots. During the operation, gang members allegedly confronted the demonstrators.

In one instance, a South African Police Service (SAPS) certificate was reportedly found inside a raided property and was confiscated by police officers.

The EFF expressed disappointment with the conduct of SAPS officers who were present during the demonstration, alleging that police officials refused to arrest self-identified gang members despite on-site confrontations.

The EFF claimed that some officers insisted it was not illegal to be a gang member, despite the provisions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

The Act, under Section 11, criminalises participation in or benefiting from the activities of a criminal gang and provides criteria for identifying gang membership.

Protesters say these provisions were ignored, even after some gang-affiliated individuals openly identified themselves to police officers and demonstrators.

Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that Public Order Policing officers were present at the scene to monitor the situation.

“This office can confirm that police members of Public Order Policing were present on Friday 18 July in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain. Confrontation erupted when gang members clashed with protesters. The police members intervened and took action to disperse the crowds,” he said.

Swartbooi further said no cases were registered and no suspects were arrested.

In response, the EFF said that further demonstrations will be organised as part of an ongoing campaign to create safer environments, especially for children and vulnerable residents affected by gang-related crime.