- Ashley “Essie” Phillips, leader of the JFK gang, was shot dead in Brackenfell on January 30th while on his way to sign his parole register at the police station.
- His death is expected to escalate gang violence between JFK and the Flakka Kids, prompting the City of Cape Town to deploy additional resources to Steenberg and Lavender Hill.
- Local residents have raised safety concerns, with the City’s LEAP program increasing law enforcement presence in response to the rising instability.
The execution of Junky Funky Kids (JFK) gang leader Ashley “Essie” Phillips on Thursday 30 January, has left the communities of Lavender Hill and surrounds in fear.
Phillips, a gang leader from Lavender Hill was shot dead in Brackenfell last week.
According to Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith, Phillips was on his way to Brackenfell Police Station when the incident occurred.
“On Thursday morning, JFK leader Ashley “Essie” Phillips, was walking towards Brackenfell (police station) believed to be for the purpose of signing his parole register,” he shared. “Before entering the police station, he was approached by three (people) belonging to the Flakka Kids (gang) and was gunned down,” he said in a statement.
Smith added that Steenberg and Lavender Hill are areas that have been battling with increased gang warfare over the years.
He further explained that Lavender Hill has long been known as a stronghold of the JFK’s.
“The rapidly changing gang environment over recent years has seen newer, smaller gangs quickly forming, and contesting for power as they attempt to wrestle away control and seize territory,” he said. “With the Metro Police’s Gang & Drug Task Team (GDTT) having already managed numerous arrests along with the seizure of several large drug-hauls over the past few days, City resources are already assisting the police’s own dedicated Anti-Gang Unit.”
Meanwhile, Ward 45 councillor Mandy Marr shared that many residents raised safety concerns in the aftermath of the shooting.
“Following the news of the death of Essie, in Brackenfell, many have raised safety concerns in our community,” she said. “I am relieved to share with you that in response, the City’s Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) is deploying multiple resources to assist during this period of instability.”
