GANGS: WE KILL EACH OTHER
INTRODUCTION
Almost 120 murders and more than 90 attempted murders from 24 to 30 June 2024 in the Western Cape – most of these according to informed sources on the Cape Flats and in parts of the Boland.
Gangster violence in Cape Town has reached critical levels, with devastating impacts on individuals, communities, and the broader society. Most often, the victims of this brutality are innocent bystanders, caught in the crossfire between capricious gangs.
The Western Cape has become an example to the rest of the country in terms of maintaining infrastructure, running efficient institutions, and delivering services with minimal corruption. Yet, the gangsterism that infests the Cape Flats, in particular, has become a blight on the Mother City and the Western Cape. As of 2021, the estimated number of gangsters in the Cape Flats was between 80,000 to 100,000, divided among approximately 130 gangs. These violent young men are responsible for 70% of the crimes in the area. The gangs have to be stopped, but how?
Solutions to Combat Gangsterism
Localise the Police
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is not equipped to deal with Cape Flats gangsterism. The national government has neglected the Western Cape’s police budget and refused to embrace needed police reforms to enable crime prevention and investigation. A local police force will not only be closer to the ground and able to address issues quicker but will also be more easily held accountable, as station commanders will be from these local areas and held responsible by residents.
Stop Arming Gangsters
Corrupt police and military personnel are responsible for selling an exorbitant amount of firearms to gangsters. Localising police forces will help make police more transparent and minimise corruption. Watchdog agencies need to closely monitor police arsenals, ensuring that equipment “going missing” is promptly addressed. Additionally, easing firearm regulations for law-abiding citizens can ensure that legal firearms do not end up in the hands of criminals.
Destroy the Gangs
Gangs are deeply entrenched in their communities, but their primary motivation is often financial. Police should focus on infiltrating gang hierarchies with informants, turncoats, and undercover officers. This intelligence, combined with skilled detective work and surveillance, can help identify and arrest key leaders. Prisons must also be reformed to prevent gang leaders from running their operations from behind bars, with measures such as isolating gang members and implementing strict disciplinary systems for infractions.
Provide Alternatives to Gangsterism
To prevent the resurgence of gangs, the root causes of gangsterism must be addressed. Economic growth and employment opportunities need to be bolstered by removing regulations that hinder business development and job creation. Young men in these communities must also be given access to positive male role models who can teach them to aspire to be thinkers, entrepreneurs, family men, providers, and guardians, rather than thugs. Churches, community leaders, public gyms, sports programs, and other institutions must work together to provide social support to young men, especially those from single-parent households or orphaned.
Conclusion
The fight against gangster violence in Cape Town is multi-faceted and requires a comprehensive approach. By localising the police force, stopping the flow of illegal firearms, removing the financial incentives for gangs, destroying gang structures, and providing alternatives for at-risk youth, Cape Town can begin to reclaim its communities from the grip of gang violence. Through coordinated efforts and a commitment to long-term solutions, a safer and more prosperous future is possible for the Western Cape.