The Hanover Park community policing forum says the 60 Law Enforcement officers, who were deployed in the area on Friday to much fanfare, do not have a plan to curb ongoing gang violence.
CPF chairperson Ebrahiem Abrahams says if the “small army” of officers knew what they were doing, Tuesday night’s shooting would not have happened.
“There was no consultation with the community and that is why the gangsters are shooting.
“All they need to do is come to the people so we can show them the hotspots in the area. Residents can work well with them,” Abrahams says.
On Tuesday night a 20-year-old man was shot in Orchard Street in Newfield, Philippi and Abrahams says there was no officer in sight.
“The young man sat there bleeding for more than 30 minutes,” he explains.
“There was no Law Enforcement officer or SAPS members.
“The victim’s family had to take him to the hospital by themselves.”
He says fighting gangsterism is a 24-hour job: “The City’s police only work until 5pm, this is not a nine to five job. There is no knock-off time.
“They stop cars and check licenses, but when it comes to gangsters we see no difference.
“They are just wasting money being here and not dealing with the violence.”
The 20-year-old victim was allegedly shot by two shooters on motorcycles.
Police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana says no arrests have been made.
Cayla Ann Tomas Murray, spokesperson for Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz, says the MEC has been in contact with the City of Cape Town about the working hours of the Law Enforcement officials.
She says the department did not engage with the CPF yet, as it was dissolved until an annual general meeting is held later this year.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za