Gang terror continues after ‘publicity stunt’

Pascoe called on other community organisations to join them in a mass march

GANG violence continues to hold the Cape Flats in a grip of terror, with sporadic shootings in Bonteheuwel and Manenberg at the weekend.

According to Manenberg Community Safety Forum chairperson Roegshanda Pascoe, a Hard Livings gangster allegedly donned a hijab to disguise himself as a Muslim woman on Saturday night before walking through Inga Court, where he opened fire on a group of Clever Kids, wounding one in the foot.

On Friday night, Pascoe said, an Americans gangster was shot and injured in Lillian Court. Police were unable to confirm the incidents.

On Saturday in Firethorn Street, Bonteheuwel, a 22-yearold was shot dead.

Community leaders have labelled the recent deployment of SANDF soldiers and specialised police units, as part of Operation Fiela, in gang strongholds a publicity stunt.

Pascoe called on other community organisations to join them in a mass march on Saturday.

“Police are trying their best, but the gangs have their own strategies and the shootings continue to keep the community in fear. Last night, they were at it again all night,” she said.

“We are calling on police, neighbourhood watches, community police forums, ratepayers’ associations and the public to come together to show that gangsterism is not right.”

Pascoe said she hoped the march would bring all communities in Cape Town together to fight gangsterism.

Bonteheuwel Joint Peace Forum spokesperson Soraya Salie said her forum had met the police to discuss more patrols in the area.

“Police patrol for three hours at a time, but that is not enough because as soon as they are gone, the gangs start shooting again.

“We are making a plea to government. Bonteheuwel is bleeding. Safety is our democratic right, yet our children are still ducking and diving on the way to school.”

Police spokesperson Tembinkosi Kinana said the SAPS attended to a complaint at Firethorn Street. No arrests had been made.