Carcade held calling for peace in M/Plain

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Community organisation Save Mitchell’s Plain, in collaboration with the Malachi Foundation, held a peaceful prayer carcade on Sunday afternoon, to honour the lives lost in the recent mass shootings in the suburb. Various political parties, faith-based institutions and concerned residents also joined.

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The carcade began at the Westridge Civic Centre, and visited various areas in Mitchell’s Plain where shooting icndients occurred

One of the organisers, Rochelle Minnaar, outlined to Bush Radio News why this carcade was important

‘’We are not just here for e-corker, we are for something bigger than all of us -We are here to pray, we are here to stand, we are here to carry the pain of our community and turn it into hope. This piece and carcade is a cry from the heart of Mitchell's Plane, from Beacon Valley to Eastridge Portland's Lentegeuer, New Woodlands Westridge, our streets are hurting, our mothers are crying and our children is living with fear instead of freedom.

‘’So today as we ride together we ride for every family who has lost a loved one, we ride for every child who is so afraid to play outside, we ride for every parent who is cry silently behind closed doors, we ride because we know faith without action is empty, prayer without people is quiet, but faith and people together, that's power, that's healing, that's change. So let our presence on this streets remind those watching the community is not broken, it is wounded and we are rising, we are people of strength, we are people of prayer, of deep love for one another.’’

‘’So we will not stop here, this will not be the last, this is the first of many steps towards healing, justice and peace. Let us continue walking and driving in love, in unity and in faith. So for every banner that will be lifted up today, every organization that will be supporting today, for every person, for every community, for every mother that will be supporting us today, let it be known that we are standing in faith,’’ concluded Minnaar.



Constituency Head at DA Constituency Area: Mitchells Plain 1, Ricardo Mackenzie, joined residents and said that police need more resources and proper crime fighting strategies.

 The carcade was the first of many interventions. The Mitchells Plain Community Police Forum in collaboration with the Lentegeur and Strandfontein Community Police Forums convened an emergency meeting of community stakeholders and organisations Saturday to develop an immediate and comprehensive response to the recent surge in gang-related shootings. The meeting issued the following demands:  A programme of coordinated and integrated actions that brings calm and reassurance to the entire community.

These actions must be implemented immediately and in full consultation with the entire community. Such actions include but is not restricted to the following:

o A coordinated plan by all law enforcement agencies of the state to bring an immediate and total end to all shootings and gang-related violence in Mitchells Plain.

o The urgent arrest of ALL gang leaders operating in Mitchells Plain.

o The summons of the Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, the National Minister of Police, and City and Provincial law enforcement officials to a community meeting within the coming week. 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.

Immediate Programme of Action

To unite the community and demand justice, the following actions have been planned:

• Motor Cavalcade – A procession through the worst-affected areas on Sunday, 06 July 2025, to show solidarity and demand peace.

• Inter-Faith Services – All religious leaders and organisations are called upon to hold inter-faith gatherings across Mitchells Plain in the coming week.

• Mass Peace Festival – A youth-focused event to promote unity and non-violence.

• Mass Peace March – A large-scale community march will take place on Sunday, 13 July 2025, to amplify the call for safety and justice.

The CPF’s are also leveraging an unfolding Mitchells Plain Anti-Gang Strategy, with 14 key elements identified, placing special emphasis on empowering young people who are often the victim and perpetrators of gang-related violence.

"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," said Norman Jantjies, the Chairperson of the Mitchell’s Plain CPF.

‘’The Mitchells Plain community will not be silent. 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. More information will be provided within the ensuing days,’’ he added.

Done By: Mitchum George

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