Kraaifontein residents plead for government intervention against gang violence, poverty

Scottsdene residents were left in shock after a carefully planned anti-crime and gang violence event was rudely disrupted by gangsters. Picture: Supplied

Scottsdene residents were left in shock after a carefully planned anti-crime and gang violence event was rudely disrupted by gangsters. Picture: Supplied

Published Nov 9, 2020

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Cape Town - Frustrated Kraaifontein residents have called on the government to intervene and help the community fight against issues plaguing the community.

From gang violence to poverty and land invasion, Kraaifontein residents said they were living terrible lives. In the past week alone several people lost their lives to gang violence, among them a 9-year-old boy, shot in the head and fatally wounded by a stray bullet. Several shacks were also demolished by the City’s law enforcement officers for contravening land laws.

Kraaifontein resident Marie Scheepers said: “People have lost so much already due to Covid-19 and still we suffer due to man-made errors. Children are dying, homes are burning down and people are losing their jobs. Yet we are not assisted. What will it take for the government to hear our cries and intervene?” she asked.

In response to the spike in violence, Kraaifontein CPF chairperson Mawethu Sila said residents needed to participate in the firearm amnesty programme and cut off the source of all violence. “We need a fresh start as a community, one that is free of illegal weapons. The government needs to follow up on its gun amnesty programme and see that it takes root in local communities. Only after we rid our streets of illegal firearms can we begin to resolve other pressing issues.

“We also want to see those found with illegal weapons receive harsh punishment, as they are holding our residents hostage,” said Sila.

Kraaifontein councillor Simpiwe Nonkeziyama said job creation in the community could revitalise the community “if the local government could perhaps direct resources to create and establish a local business hub”.

“If given the opportunity to liberate themselves from poverty, our residents could successfully build viable businesses," he said.

Cape Argus

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Crime and courts