Urgent action needed to tackle gang violence in Steenberg

After weeks of violent attacks and a recent double murder in Steenberg, residents and community stakeholders are calling for urgent action to restore safety - including the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the revival of neighbourhood watches, and youth skills development to curb gang violence.

The latest incident occurred on Thursday, October 16, when four people were shot at a home on Pickerill Street. Police said three armed men arrived at the property and opened fire, killing a 26-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman. Two others - a 35-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman - were injured in the attack.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said officers found the two dead with multiple gunshot wounds when they arrived at the scene.

“The two injured victims were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. It is alleged that a white vehicle stopped, and three unidentified men got out and entered the gate, and started shooting at the occupants. The motive is believed to be gang-related,” he said.

Cape Flats Safety Forum chairperson Abie Isaacs said the SANDF should be deployed to assist police.

“We are concerned with yet another escalation in gun violence on the Cape Flats. We continue to call for a special probe to be set up and for the deployment of the SANDF as a force multiplier to SAPS as we move into the festive period of 2025/2026,” he said.

Ward 68 councillor Marita Petersen said it was heartbreaking to see young people being drawn into gangsterism. “It is indeed sad to see our youth falling prey to gangsterism. It would be great if communities could start joining local neighbourhood watches and report criminal activity to SAPS -  even anonymously,” she said.

Ms Petersen said addressing the root causes of violence was key.

“Making smart choices and identifying the root cause is the foundation for investing in young people. We need alternative skills development to prevent youngsters from turning to gangsterism."

Ms Petersen said that sport and extramural activities, and partnerships between parents and schools are vital.

"We have amazing organisations like Philisa Abafazi, New World Foundation, Deep River Church and Sibelius High School offering programmes for our youth.”

She added that it would take a collective effort to tackle violence.

“We are all relevant stakeholders - teachers, police, parents, pastors, priests. It doesn’t take a cent to change a life. Imagine a world where we put aside politics and simply focus on being human together.”

Steenberg Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson Nicola Small said the recent spate of shootings had caused deep trauma among residents, including children.

“These tragedies highlight the urgent need for long-term, coordinated action against gangsterism and crime. There’s often an expectation that once-off workshops or self-defence classes will solve crime. While community education has value, it’s not the cure to a complex social crisis,” she said.

Ms Small said gang violence was rooted in unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, and family breakdown.

“Gang members are not outsiders - they are our children, relatives, neighbours, and community members. Their families are often afraid or pressured to protect them. Prevention, accountability, and opportunity must go hand in hand,” she said.

She warned that self-defence classes alone cannot solve gun violence.

“Self-defence can’t stop a bullet. We must stop glorifying reactive measures and focus on prevention - keeping children in school, giving youth work opportunities, and strengthening family support structures.”

Ms Small urged residents to report crime, even anonymously, and to support police by not protecting criminals or sharing videos of shootings.

“Gun-removal operations rely heavily on information from residents. We must call on government to assign more social workers, school safety officers, and youth workers to help prevent school dropouts and support at-risk families.”

She added that safety required collective effort.

“It’s not only in the hands of the police. It requires all of us - residents, faith leaders, schools, NGOs, businesses, SAPS, and government - to stand together against gangsterism.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app to submit anonymous tips.