As gang violence continues to escalate on the Cape Flats with gun-wielding gangsters running amok – an urgent appeal has once again been made to communities to come forward with information to apprehend suspects.
The City of Cape Town’s safety and security directive has sent out pictures of some suspects and asked the community to identify and track down the men.
JP Smith, Mayoral committee member for safety and security, said there have been arrests as a result of the community’s input but two suspects are still on the run. The five men are suspects in connection with shooting incidents in Ottery amid the on-going gang violence flare-ups and were observed on CCTV cameras on Friday June 28.
Mr Smith said in a statement that law enforcement agencies had come under fire while conducting operations in response to the gun violence in Lavender Hill, Grassy Park and Ottery in the past couple of weeks.
“It cannot be that these attackers or their actions are not known by others in the community, or that the community itself should continue to suffer the violence of these gangs opposing each other over their turf battles.
“While it has been said that those in the community are forced into silence so as to prevent themselves from coming into harm’s way, simply because it is ‘not safe’ as the police cannot be trusted,” said Mr Smith.
He added the City has its own toll-free crime tip-off line where callers can remain anonymous and need not give their contact name or details.
“Simply inform us who the instigators are, where the drugs and firearms are being kept, or who the shooters are.”
He asked who might be able to help identify and track down the individuals in the photographs to contact the City’s dedicated tip-off line. A reward of up to R20 000 is available for information if it leads to a successful arrest, or the recovery of an illegal firearm or contraband.
The Grassy Park CPF has condemned the ongoing shootings in Ottery and Lotus River and chairperson Melvyn Jonkers said the violence is not only taking lives but also causing unnecessary stress to the residents and disrupting the way of life.
“Gun violence can never become the norm in our neighbourhoods. Our children cannot grow and develop in circumstances of violence.
“We urge the social service agencies, religious bodies such as churches and mosques to stand up now and give direction to the people. We cannot remain silent and stand idly by while a whole generation is being lost for lack of direction and guidance,” said Mr Jonkers.
The CPF also called on the community to support the police and not hinder law enforcement agencies in doing their work.
“Everyone in the community has a responsibility to do everything in their power to create a peaceful living environment. It starts in the home. Values are not taught at school but ingrained in the home,” said Mr Jonkers.
Anyone with information about any incidents, gun or drug information or information about the suspects in the pictures can report it anonymously, on a 24-hour basis, on 0800 110077.
