Frustrated Hyde Park residents are taking a stand against gang violence after a Tafelsig woman was killed and 10 residents injured during recent gang wars.
After weeks of stone-throwing and shootings, the Mitchell’s Plain police held an imbizo, between Erica and Tafelberg streets, to address the incidents of violence in the area.
The Plainsman reported on September 7 that the windows of more than 15 homes had been smashed in a week during violence in Hyde Park and Lost City.(“Gangs smash Hyde Park residents’ windows”).
About 200 people attended the meeting which took place on Wednesday September 21.
Mitchell’s Plain police spokesperson Captain Ian Williams said a 36-year-old woman was shot dead in Guava street on Sunday September 18, at 7pm.
The woman was found on the kitchen floor with a gunshot wound to her chest.
“Allegedly the woman was standing outside in the road in Guava Street when gangsters were fighting in the street. She felt a pain her chest and realised that she had been shot, thereafter she ran into the house.
“No arrests have been made. The motive is unknown and the police are investigating a case of murder,” Captain Williams said.
Tafelsig community worker Zameka Faku said on Monday September 19, 10 people were injured during the gang fights.
Ms Faku, said they were shot in the legs, arms and other parts of their bodies.
“Enough is enough. Our people are dying and are being injured by the gangsters.
“We are calling on the police to assist us because people young and old are living in fear,” she said.
Ms Faku said about 500 residents had signed a petition and sent it to the police. She added that the police had met with the community and members of the gangs.
Captain Williams said the imbizo included sector commanders Captain Raymond Solomon and Captain Brian Jacobs under the direction of Mitchell’s Plain station commander Brigadier Goolam.
He said the community have decided to work together and find an effective solution to the problem. He added that Ms Faku, ward councillor Sheval Arendse and Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum chairperson Abe Isaacs were all involved in guiding the talks to find a way forward.
“The community have decided to work together and realised that SAPS alone is not responsible for the community’s safety, but as a community they need to take ownership of their streets.
“They were explained that street committees can also do projects to address issues. There was agreement that the community would sit together if there is to be resolution to the challenges. Ongoing interactions will be held with the community and residents have resolved to meet on their own to establish structures to work with the police, “ said Captain Williams.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the investigating officer Detective Constable Angus November of Mitchells Plain Serious and Violent crimes Unit at 082 777 8076.