Additional AGU deployed to Lentegeur to curb ongoing gang violence

Western Cape police have come under attack whilst trying to quell gang violence in Mitchell's Plain.

COURTESY: Facebook - Cllr Avron Plaatjies ward 76

Two people were killed and many injured in a shooting incident in Lentegeur on Monday.

A gang war between rivals Americans and Fancy Boys, as well as Mongrels and Terrible Josters, over alleged turf is underway in Lentegeur and Montrose Park, respectively.

A six-year-old girl was shot and injured in the area over the weekend.

‘’Visibility in the Lentegeur policing precinct had been bolstered with the deployment of Anti-gang unit and other members to curb the ongoing gang violence. This following a shooting incident at about 13:00 today (2025-01-13) on the corners of Tritonia and Silvia Street, Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain which left two adult males between the age 26 and 35 deceased after they sustained bullet wounds to their upper bodies. Both were declared deceased at the scene by the medical personnel. Two more victims were hit and hospitalised with serious injuries to the body,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’Preliminary investigation suggest that the assailants travelling in a white Quantum minibus drove towards the victims when about three of them disembarked the vehicle and opened fire on the victims. Lentegeur SAPS opened two counts of murder as well as two attempted murder cases for further investigation by detectives attached to the Anti-Gang unit. The incident is believed to be gang-related,’’ he added.

Meanwhile councillors in Mitchells Plain has called for an immediate action and solutions to end gang Violence in the area, especially with schools reopening on Wednesday.

The DA Constituency Head, Ricardo Mackenzie for Mitchell’s Plain, Ward Councillor Avron Plaatjies met with Lentegeur SAPS Station Commander Brigadier Ramesh on Monday.

"The senseless violence, particularly in Lentegeur and surrounding areas, has reached unacceptable levels, and immediate, unified action is needed to restore peace and safety. Councillors Joan Woodman, Goawa Timm, Bernadette Clarke, Frank Raymond and others unequivocally call for a ceasefire and demand an end to the violence tearing apart our neighborhoods. The safety and security of every resident, especially our children, is non-negotiable," said Elton Jansen, Sub-council 12 chairperson.

COURTESY: Facebook - Cllr Avron Plaatjies ward 76

He called on law enforcement agencies, community organizations, schools, parents, faith-based institutions, and residents to work together to find solutions to curb the violence.

We are also calling on:

* SAPS and Law Enforcement: Increase visible policing, conduct daily stop-and-search operations, and ensure that gang hotspots are monitored 24/7. SAPS must work closely with community patrols, including the walking bus ladies, to protect learners traveling to and from school.

* Community Members: If you have information about gang activities or individuals involved, report it immediately. Remaining silent perpetuates the cycle of violence.

* Government and Civil Society: To continue giving l trauma support and mobile community resource centers in affected areas, providing a space for residents to report incidents and receive counseling and assistance.

* Local Businesses: Collaborate with authorities in high-risk areas, ensuring community safety after hours. The violence we are witnessing cannot continue. Every resource at our disposal must be mobilized to protect our residents and create safer spaces.

"This is a call for action—but also for accountability and urge our prosecution authorities to prosecute individuals. We urge all community members to help in fostering peace. Talk to your families. Challenge the culture of silence. Let us be relentless in our fight against these gangsters," said Elton Jansen, Sub-council 17 chairperson.

"We stand with the people of Mitchell’s Plain and will not rest until peace is restored. Together, we can build a future free from fear and violence, a future where hope triumphs over despair. Let’s work together for a safer, stronger Mitchell’s Plain, he added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George