Ramaphosa promises to combat Cape Flats crime

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa promised stronger law enforcement action in affected Cape Flats communities after gun violence claimed at least 34 lives since last Friday.

Following a reported 26 murders at the weekend, including eight deaths in a mass shooting at a tavern in Marikana, Philippi East, SAPS said it is investigating four murders in two separate case on Monday night and the killing of an off-duty cop in Browns Farm.

Ramaphosa says he is “saddened at the loss of life in violence on the Cape Flats at the weekend” and extended his “deepest sympathies to all families and communities concerned”.

The killings unfolded in several neighbourhoods and form part of ongoing gang-related and community violence in parts of the Western Cape.

Ramaphosa said government would intensify efforts to stabilise the area through greater police visibility and stronger partnerships with residents.

The president said: “Communities could expect stronger law enforcement and increased police visibility to stabilise affected communities and reduce the potential for further violence.”

He acknowledged the fear that residents live under and called for closer cooperation between police and communities.

Spokesperson for the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, added: “The President recognises the fear to which criminals subject residents and therefore calls on communities to strengthen their partnership with law-enforcement agencies in community policing forums.

Ramaphosa also urged residents to share information with police, even when it involves people they know.

Magwenya said: “The President also urges residents to provide information, even on neighbours and family members, to police on an ongoing basis so that communities will instead become unsafe for criminals.”