Local safety structures and residents are worried about the resurgence of gang violence and are calling for the deployment of the law enforcement advancement plan officers (Leap).
According to Steenberg Policing Forum (CPF), Retreat and Steenberg residents are living on edge with gang violence on the increase.
CPF spokesperson Gavin Walburg says they have been asking for the deployment of the Leap officers to assist. He adds that nearby areas such as Hanover Park and Manenberg have the officers.
“On Sunday alone there were two shootings. Four people were shot in Cafda and one person was shot dead in Lavender Hill. That was only in one night,” says Walburg.
He adds that there are numerous drive-by shooting incidents, something that is difficult to police.
“Children who congregate at the corner shop get hurt in drive-by shootings and we don’t know if they are the targets. It is hard to police drive-by incidents. There is anger in the community over all the shootings and we try to address these things, but it’s very difficult.”
Walburg calls for the community to work together and to come forward with any information to prevent the killings.
“It’s their own people doing this, the community needs to come forward. It is very important and we have to also watch what we say. It is sad that there are small children involved. These drive-by shootings are another evil.”
He added that gang-related shootings have different seasons, it will be quiet for a while and then flare up again at a later stage.
“Lavender Hill is quiet and then there is a shooting in Ottery, next you hear there is a shooting in Lavender Hill.
“We are very concerned about the gang violence, but also the violence in schools. We need to encourage children not to join gangs and we need to ask the community to take charge of their children.
“The community is on edge.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that four teenagers were shot in a drive-by shooting on Sunday 27 February.
The incident occurred at the corner of Peter Charles and Herslett streets in Cafda.
“According to reports, Steenberg police were called to the crime scene where they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies and legs. It is alleged that five unknown occupants of a white light delivery vehicle started shooting at the victims while standing at a spaza shop.”
He adds that the teens, aged 16 to 18, were taken to a nearby hospital.
“The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The possibility that the incident could be gang related will be investigated.”
A community member, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, says it is like an “active war zone” in the Lavender Hill and Retreat areas.
“As you would be aware by now, there have been several shooting incidents this past week with a spike this past weekend. These shootings included minors being shot and killed. School children are learning in an environment which can only be described as an active war zone, under high stress and extreme anxiety, this negatively impacts on their ability to learn and live in a safe environment which is conducive to producing successful children, as enshrined in the Children’s Act and the Constitution.”
He adds that there is daily fighting at school, something that puts learners at risk.
“Young children can’t even play safely in the comfort of the school ground, sports fields or their own front yard at home.”
