UNDER SIEGE: Cloetesville residents have called on police and Stellenbosch Municipality to intensify the fight against gang violence.
Image: Facebook/Stellenbosch Municipality
MENSE in Cloetesville have called on police and the Stellenbosch Municipality to intensify the fight against gang violence following an alleged shooting between rival gangs near Cloetesville High School on Monday.
Although no injuries were reported, parents say they fear for their children’s safety.
“Dit raak nou regtig erg. Our children are not even safe at school anymore. They can no longer walk and play in the streets,” parent and resident Jasmine Plaatjies told Daily Voice.
“Our people live in fear. And the big issue here in Cloetesville is that the gangsters are arrested and then released by the courts.
“Ek kry ons polisie so jammer. They are really doing their part to make our community safer, but the justice system is failing us,” Plaatjies added.
According to community leader and activist George Herman, at least 11 people have been killed in Cloetesville in the past six weeks alone.
Herman said: “The latest spate of shootings follows the killing of a prominent gang leader last month. Yesterday’s shooting near the school has again highlighted the need for more law enforcement that is specifically targeted at gang violence.
“We only saw the Anti-Gang Unit in Cloetesville once when illegal structures were removed.”
Western Cape police spokesperson Ndakwe Gwala confirmed Monday’s shooting in Northend Street.
Gwala reported: “Police went to the scene and, on arrival, there were no injuries reported. No criminal case was registered.”
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch Municipality said its law enforcement officers responded to the scene alongside police.
Municipal spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar told Daily Voice: “The municipality takes public safety extremely seriously and continues to do everything within its legislative mandate to support SAPS and strengthen crime-fighting efforts across Stellenbosch.”
He said the municipality had, over the years, made substantial investments in local safety and law enforcement capacity.
“This includes the acquisition of new law enforcement vehicles and specialised vehicles, the expansion of CCTV infrastructure, the appointment of additional personnel, training and support for neighbourhood watches, regular joint patrols with SAPS and the establishment of the municipality’s newly formed K9 Unit.
“The municipality will continue to work closely with SAPS and other safety stakeholders and will provide all reasonable support within its mandate.”
The Western Cape Education Department confirmed the incident and said that it was community incident. Spokeperson Bronagh Hammond added that no learners were involved.
