CAPE Flats crime fighters are not backing down amid the recent spike in gang violence and are demanding immediate action to restore calm in the area.
The Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) in collaboration with the Lentegeur and Strandfontein CPF held an emergency meeting on Saturday which was attended by representatives from different Sub-Forums, Neighbourhood Watch groups, NGOs, the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), and the Athlone and Bishop Lavis CPFs.
Chairperson of the Mitchells Plain CPF Norman Janjties said: “We refuse to accept gang violence as a norm in our community. The bloodshed must end, and those responsible must face justice.
“We call on every resident of Mitchells Plain to stand together, support these initiatives, and demand action from those in power.”
A list of demands includes a programme of coordinated and integrated actions that brings calm and safety to the entire community.
They called for a strategy by all law enforcement agencies to bring an immediate and total end to all shootings and gang-related violence in Mitchells Plain.
They also demanded the urgent arrest of all gang leaders operating in Mitchells Plain and issued a call to the Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, the National Minister of Police, and City and Provincial law enforcement officials to attend a community meeting within this week.
Jantjies added: “At this meeting, authorities must present a detailed plan to dismantle gang networks and end the culture of impunity plaguing Mitchells Plain and the broader Cape Flats.”
The crime fighters called on all religious leaders and organisations to hold inter-faith gatherings across the Plain this week.
A Peace Festival is also planned to involve a youth-focused event to promote unity and non-violence.
Another mass march, including a large-scale community march, will take place on Sunday, 13 July, to amplify the call for safety and justice.
Jantjies said: “We urge all stakeholders, government, law enforcement, and civil society to act decisively before more lives are lost.
“Some resolutions were adopted, including an urgent meeting with SAPS Provincial Commissioner’s office as well as a motorcade, interfaith services and a mass peace march.”
The Mitchells Plain CPF chair said more information on the march will be made soon.
Meanwhile, The Imamat Council of Mitchells Plain, representing the collective voices of the Imams and Islamic leadership, said they condemn the escalating gang-related violence that continues to plague the community.
The religious group added: “Over the past days, we witnessed a troubling surge in gang shootings resulting in the tragic loss of many lives including innocent men, women and even children.
“These senseless acts of violence are not only tearing families apart, but are poisoning the spirit of our neighbourhoods and instilling fear in the hearts of our people.
“The violence must stop. And so, we call upon law enforcement agencies to increase their efforts in restoring safety and justice in our communities... and urgently address the root causes of this ongoing bloodshed.”