Some CT communities described as war zones following spike in gun violence
Over the last few weeks, areas including Lavender Hill, Lotus River, Ottery, Manenberg and Hanover Park have seen an increase in deadly gun violence.
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CAPE TOWN - Some Cape Town communities including Lavender Hill, Lotus River, Ottery, Manenberg and Hanover Park have been described as war zones, following a sudden spike in gang violence over the last few weeks.
Several people have been killed in these areas.
The city's Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said while communities are having to endure the violence of turf warfare by gangs, the city will do everything possible with its limited authority to fight the scourge.
"We have brought in additional staff on overtime during their rest days to help stabilise the area. In the past, gangs often had entrenched codes of conduct or unspoken rules that they live by but the dynamics have changed significantly with the sudden explosion of newer, younger gangs forming, with members vying with each other for turf and leadership."
Smith said they have also had access to mysterious financial backing and constant firearms, ammunition and drugs.
"We will do everything we can to assist SAPS [South African Police Service] in stabilising these areas over time. But we need SAPS to do more in terms of investigating and convicting those responsible once the areas are again calm. Otherwise, it will be a war we are fighting and permanent solutions are needed to curb the violence and bring the war to an end."
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