Kalbaskraal community shaken by surge in gang violence and murders

The community of Kalbaskraal is reeling after six people were brutally murdered in the past eight weeks. Among the victims was a young pregnant woman who was wounded when her home was set alight a week ago.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, said the incidents were linked to gang violence.

Nine suspects were arrested in total following a wave of violence in the community in the past month.

“On Sunday, November 9 , members attached to POPS, with assistance from the Malmesbury SAPS, conducted operations to address the current gang violence in Kalbaskraal,” Van Wyk explained.

“Over the past month, sporadic incidents of random shootings occurred where people were shot. Attempted murder cases have been opened at SAPS Malmesbury.

During the police operation from Sunday to Monday, a total of nine suspects were arrested, who are positively linked to various attempted murder cases, as well as suspects who are positively linked to murder cases that have been opened. All suspects who were arrested appeared before the Magistrate in Malmesbury, and bail was denied.”

Van added that during a murder incident, a house in the area was set ablaze. It has been indicated on social media and by several persons that the owner had been beaten and chained in her house when the house was set alight. However, the house was set alight, and the owner was neither assaulted nor chained inside. No case of arson has been opened by the complainant.

He said the situation in Kalbaskraal is currently calm and under control, and there are still police present in the area to monitor the situation. GOOD Party councillor in Swartland, Patricia Dixon, visited families in Kalbaskraal who have been affected by a surge in gang-related killings.

“In the past eight weeks, six people have been brutally murdered, reportedly linked to gang violence. According to a community leader, four arrests have been made so far,” she said. “These violent attacks have left families shattered, with no assistance or relocation support provided to the affected households.” One victim, Anneline Jacobs, was attacked with chains and stabbed. Her home has since been vandalised and boarded up after being accused of association with a rival group. Jacobs was medically treated.

Dixon said during her interaction with residents, many expressed fear of retaliation and concern that innocent people continue to suffer because of the ongoing violence.

“Community members emphasised the urgent need for poverty eradication, adequate housing, and basic service delivery, noting that Kalbaskraal residents are often excluded from Swartland Municipality’s implementation processes.”

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