On-going gang violence hindering health services in the Cape

Jaimie-faith Poonah
13 April 2015

The City of Cape Town said it experiences a tough time to keep the health services, due to the ongoing crime and gang-related violence.

Mayoral Committee Member for Health Siyabulela Mamkeli said numerous incidents have been reported, including staff being hijacked or threatened by gang members, rival gangs clashing inside facilities, or constant shooting in the area surrounding clinics.

The City said the recent protests linked to the land invasions in Khayelitsha forced the early closure of both the Nolungile and Site C Youth Clinic.

Mamkeli said he wants to engage with his safety and security counter parts about who is able to assist in safe guarding our facilities but we cannot get anywhere without the help of our community.

Mamkeli said the criminals who target clients and staff, the vandals who leave clinics in darkness and the gang members who show little regard for anyone caught in cross-fires are no strangers.

Mamkeli said the criminals live in the very communities they terrorise and so every law abiding citizen has a duty to speak against the small minority who is making life difficult for the majority.