Rocklands’ mothers pleaded with the police to come out to patrol and for detectives to investigate their sons’ murders.
They spoke out during a public meeting on the corner of Gladiator and Sunderland streets in Rocklands on Friday September 22.
Muneebah Salie’s son Kashief, 36, was shot dead on April 26. She said names were given to the police officers but nothing came of it.
“I loved him. He was a good child. He greeted me. And how many more children will be hurt,” she asked.
Ms Salie said she has a friend who has lost three sons and she did not know how to help until it had happened to her.
“We are mothers. We love our children. When my children did wrong I called the police. I did not cover up,” she said.
She said that her house had rules and regulations.
“I love my children and my grandchildren. Speak to everyone even if it is a kind word,” she said.
Another mother, who did not want to be named, asked why the detectives did not come out to speak to the families.
“Nothing can bring my child back,” she said.
“God does not sleep. Tonight trust in God, entrust your pain and heartache to the Almighty,” she said.
A grandmother, who did not want to be named, said the police were not doing their work.
“I blame Mitchell’s Plain police station because they don’t do anything. They do not follow up on information given to them,” she said.
She said they were not afraid to give information but did not see the point of doing so.
“People are murdered here they (the police) come around but they don’t come back and follow up,” she said.
Washielah Bullock Sardien, Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum’s (CPF) Rocklands Sub-forum deputy chairperson, called on the community to speak up.
“Today is your time to speak up. Don’t be afraid. You have a lot to say. We called this meeting for you and for me because I am a resident here,” she said.
Ms Bullock Sardien said the community should unite and show the gangsters, “We are more than you”.
“We can win this battle. We can wipe out the drugs. We can wipe out the gangsters but only with your help. You can come to me. Sign up and see how far we can get,” she said.
She said it is about the community making their area safe.
Hillary Pieterse, chairwoman of Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum’s (CPF) Rocklands Sub-forum, said they would only be here when the community comes out to stand up and join the structures.
“We are here tonight but it depends on you, what you need from the CPF, neighbourhood and SAPS,” she said.
Ms Pieterse said the residents must decide what they would like to achieve in making their area safe.
“This is my house. I’m proud of my house. I’m proud of the area I am staying in. We need to take ownership of our own area, ownership of our own houses but it is not going to happen if we decide the gangsters can carry on,” she said.
Ms Pieterse said residents did not have to patrol every night but had to stand up against crime.
Rocklands sector commander Captain Mornay Kleinhans said something had to be done to change the mindset of the community.
“Come together in groups and talk about the issues.
“There are no quick fixes. We can eradicate the gangs but it takes everybody’s efforts. It is my core function to prevent crime but I can’t do anything without you,” he said.
Captain Kleinhans said residents had to stand up and be counted.
