Classes resumes at Elsies River school, as tensions between gangs plague the community

An escalating wave of gang-related violence in Elsies River has disrupted schooling in the area.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Some parents at Matroos Holy Trinity R.C. Primary School decided to let their child/ren stay at home on Wednesday, following the ongoing gang shootings. It’s understood that on Tuesday, alleged gang members ran into the school premises while being chased by law enforcement officers.

‘’The incident was of course frightening for both learners and staff and the school was subsequently dismissed. The school is open today [Wednesday] but many parents decided to leave their child at home due to ongoing violence in the area,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, Western Cape education department spokesperson.

‘’While we are grateful that no learners or educators have been physically harmed, the fear and trauma faced at the schools and other schools in the community are distressing. We would like to thank the educators who were able to manage their classrooms during this very difficult period and our thoughts are with law enforcement as they try to resolve this matter and bring peace to this community,’’ she added.

Western Cape police confirmed to Bush radio news that the situation in Elsies River is volatile.

Messages doing the rounds on social media warned residents to avoid Eureka Estate, also known as “White City” and Clarke Estate.

“Elsies River police responded to a complaint on Monday 17 February 2025. Upon arrival at the crime scene near Heathview court in Clarke Estate, they found the body of a 63-year-old man who sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. A 15-year-old boy who also sustained a gunshot wound was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The unknown suspects who fled the scene are yet to be arrested”, said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

 

Done by: Mitchum George