Cape Town - The effect of drug- and gang-related crime on communities in South Africa has been likened to terrorism experienced in war-torn countries.
Crime experts say the hold of gangsterism and drugs in certain areas is similar to the impact rebel groups have on people in countries caught up in wars.
With gang- and drug-related crime increasing by 4 500 incidents in SA since 2010, anti-crime activists have warned the government to address gang-related violence as a matter of urgency.
Read: Gang war hits Cape schools hard
National crime statistics show that gang- and drug-related crime increased from 7 163 incidents in 2010 to 11 632 incidents in 2015.
The Centre for the Study of Violence (CSV) and the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Gangs have raised concerns about the impact gang and drugs have on children in Cape Flats communities.
Researchers from both centres have relayed that gangs are ruling communities and have become “de facto authorities”.
CSV researcher Ann May likened gangs to rebel groups in war-torn parts of the world.
“It’s a similar hold that gangs have over neighbourhoods compared to these rebel groups, like the ones we find in African countries outside of our borders.
“Gangs are de facto authorities in South Africa since they rule communities in a way. They are definitely similar to rebel groups in other war-torn parts of the world.”
Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture director Valdi Van Reenen-Le Roux said the inadequate response from government agencies, a failure to protect its citizens by eradicating gang violence, can be regarded as an act of torture.
“Gang violence is certainly cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment or punishment. When government fails to implement the laws and policies aimed to protect citizens, then the failure can be viewed as an omission.”
Van Reenen-Le Roux said the Western Cape has a policy regarding gang violence prevention and intervention.
“It was ratified by the ANC provincial cabinet in 2008. But it has not been implemented by this current provincial government. There are talks that the policy needs to be revised, but there needs to be an intersectional approach to gang violence prevention and intervention.”
Provincial Development Committee chairperson of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, Hishaam Mohamed, said recent statistics show that 65 gang-related cases have been finalised between April 2015 and March 2016.
“This is a conviction rate of 85%. Of the 156 murder cases finalised with a verdict, 65 cases were gang-related, of which one is the George ‘Geweld’ Thomas case.
“Gang-related crime cannot be addressed without appreciating the intertwined relationship between gangs, socio-economic factors and organised crime of drug trafficking, abalone poaching, trafficking, extortion, corruption, violent crimes, money laundering, racketeering and murder.”
@carlo_petersen
Cape Times