MEC visits Manenberg following flare up in gang shootings

Seventeen suspects have been arrested in Manenberg since Thursday, following a flare up in gang shootings in the area.

A range of gang shootings occurred in parts of Manenberg, which left 4 people dead. This includes a 69-year-old woman who succumbed to her injuries over the weekend. A 21-year-old man was killed while seven others were injured in the Audrey area, on Saturday night.

At the same time, officers also confiscated 4 firearms.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, visited Manenberg on Monday, to engage various stakeholders, including SAPS, LEAP officers, other City of Cape Town law enforcement agencies, Traffic officials, neighbourhood watch and Community Police Forum members. 

“The latest flare ups are a deep worry. I feel for the residents of Manenberg, as they are being held hostage by heartless gangsters. Living in fear is not what we want for any community across the Western Cape… The only way we’ll ever be effective in combatting crime is by working together,” said Allen.

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The MEC condemned the stoning by community members to police.

‘’I am deeply concerned about reports that there are a few community members who are pelting law enforcement officers with stones when they go into areas to effect arrest or confiscate weapons. This is unacceptable, as it only emboldens gangsters to continue terrorising our communities. I urge law enforcement to not hesitate in arresting those that are making themselves guilty by acting in this manner.”

“If we are serious about stopping gangs and their illegal activities in our areas, we have to work together as one. It is vital that we refrain from getting involved in criminal activities,” added Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen.

 

Done By: Mitchum George