Calls for SANDF as gang violence claims 16 lives in Cape Town

Crime fighters and civic organisations are calling for a ceasefire to gang violence and the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), following sporadic shootings which have seen more than 16 people killed since the weekend.

The latest incident took place in Manenberg on Monday in Cyclone Road where three people were shot, one of whom died at the scene.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk explained: “A 35-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded and two others aged 39 and 53 injured. The 35-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The injured victims were taken to a nearby emergency centre for treatment.”

Van Wyk said the trio were approached by three unidentified males who entered the house and randomly started shooting at the victims who were sitting in the bedroom.

“The three suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation,” added Van Wyk.

On Sunday morning, a young man was shot and killed while working on his car on the corner of Stock Road and Govan Mbeki, in Philippi.

In Fisantekraal on Sunday evening, five young men were shot and wounded on the corner of Dulah Omar and Yolandi Du Preez streets.

This follows a triple murder in Delft on Sunday morning in Sandriver Street in Leiden.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut explained the victims were accosted by unknown suspects who opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.

The motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related. He said police deployments in the Delft policing precinct have been bolstered as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the area and curb gang-related violence.

Abie Isaacs, chairperson of the Cape Flats Safety Forum (CFSF) said they were calling on the deployment of the SANDF to stabilise the gang violence.

“We have noted the escalation in crime on the Cape Flats with specific reference to gang violence,” he told Cape Argus.

“We continue to call for SANDF deployment to assist SAPS in stabilising these affected areas and act as force multipliers.

"We have seen shooting continue unabated against the backdrop of a safer festive season launch that was held a month ago."

Activist, Hanif Loonat echoed the call for stabilisation.

“As I watched the funeral of a young victim of gang violence, I couldn’t help but ask myself, how did we get here?

“As a crimefighter, I’ve seen the pain, the wasted potential, and the silent tears that follow every senseless shooting. This tragedy isn’t just about one life lost; it’s about the breakdown of families, communities, and the values that once held us together.

Loonat shared a breakdown of what he believed could stop the violence, such as intelligence-led policing, focusing on hotspot mapping, tracking known gang leaders, and targeting illegal firearms.

During an earlier appeal for the SANDF, it said, it was for the police to respond.

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Cape Argus