- Bo-Kaap residents are calling for increased police visibility in the area throughout the year and not merely “during the holiday season” following a spike in violent crimes.
- The community, known as a vibrant tourist hub, has been plagued by gang wars and shootings in recent months.
- In the latest incident, a shooting in Chiappini Street on Saturday 24 February, went viral on social media after it was caught on CCTV footage.
Bo-Kaap residents are calling for increased police visibility in the area throughout the year and not merely “during the holiday season” following a spike in violent crimes.
The community, known as a vibrant tourist hub, has been plagued by gang wars and shootings in recent months.
In the latest incident, a shooting in Chiappini Street on Saturday 24 February, went viral on social media after it was caught on CCTV footage.
In the 30-second clip, a group of young people can be seen fleeing and shortly after gunshots are heard.
According to Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, the provincial police spokesperson, the incident was gang-related.
“We are aware of the ongoing conflict between rival gangs in the Bo-Kaap area and, as such, have heightened visibility in the area as well as initiated profiling of people of interest.”
Shafwaan Laubscher, a neighbourhood watch member, calls on police and safety structures to come to the party.
“During the festive period, we see an increase of visibility from law enforcement, police etc. But when it comes to the daily activities in the informal settlement areas we don’t see the same visibility and boots on the ground.”
He adds: “We, as the community, need to play our part and report all matters, but if there is no collective effort from all role players, things will continue as they are.”
Laubscher said the spike in crime in the area is concerning.
“The type of crimes that have been escalating from petty crimes to such serious crimes, murder and shootings are unheard of in the Bo-Kaap. It is something that we as the community need to address.”
He believes various factors play a contributing role. “Drug abuse and smuggling are high in certain pockets in the area. Other social ills also play a role. We also have pockets of informal settlements, and for that, we need to hold the City of Cape Town accountable. Some of the crime stems from these informal settlements.
“If we manage that, we can perhaps curb some of these activities.”
According to Laubscher, various safety interventions are in place to try and curb the crime.
“We call for calm in the community. See how we can collectively get to a point where we try and stop these activities from happening. We need to work together to see how we can address this.”
Pojie said no arrests were made regarding Saturday’s incident, but said police made arrests for other offences.
“Police arrested three suspects, one 47-year-old for possession of possible stolen property (electrical power tools) and two suspects aged 27 and 28 for possession of dangerous weapons (two knives).”
The suspects were detained at Cape Town Central Police Station.
Francine Higham, Ward 77 councillor, said Saturday’s shooting was the second one for February alone.
“I’m aware that these gangs are residing and operating from informal settlements in the area, in addition to other properties in the Bo-Kaap.
“These informal settlements have been in the area for years, and since I started as a Ward councillor, I have been actively engaging with all relevant property owners to ensure these areas are properly managed.”
Higham said: “As with our other unlawfully occupied properties” the City will have to proceed with an eviction application to secure the land.
“This is due to the National Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act (PIE Act). I will continue to engage with these responsible departments and the City’s legal team to explore all options to secure these properties and ensure that they contribute positively to the surrounding community.”
Higham said together with the Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood Watch, they have requested a meeting with police, to discuss the concerns.
“Before the end of the year, we were meeting monthly with the sector manager, and we are hoping that these meetings can resume immediately in order for the community to engage proactively and get feedback from police about their efforts to address crime in the area.”
According to Higham, the City invested almost R1 million in CCTV cameras to help improve safety in the Bo-Kaap, in the last financial year,
“I’ve allocated further funding from my Ward Allocation in this financial year for additional cameras in the area.
“In addition, the City’s Law Enforcement Unit has been active in the Bo-Kaap, with foot and vehicle patrols taking place daily. These Officers are available to assist all residents in the Bo-Kaap and are on the lookout for all suspicious activity,” she concludes.
To report any criminal activity or if you are in need of assistance call the City’s emergency number on 021 480 7700.
