Community leaders in Elsies River working hard for truce between rival gangs
The Elsies River community says there have been no further shootings in the area since the murder of teenager Grantham Jahmiel van Reenen two weeks ago.
The funeral service of 14-year-old Grantham Jahmiel van Reenen, who was shot and killed on his way to school, at Owen Road in Eureka, Elsies River on 1 December 2024. Picture: Melikhaya Zagagana/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Community leaders in Elsies River plan to approach rival gang members in the area to propose a ceasefire.
This was revealed during the funeral of 14-year-old Grantham Jahmiel van Reenen on Sunday.
The teenager was shot and killed two weeks ago while on his way to school with his friends.
The Elsies River community said there had been no further shootings in the area since the murder of the teenager two weeks ago.
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Community leaders said discussions were ongoing to form a committee responsible for safety in the area.
One of the leaders, George Taylor, told EWN at the funeral that ending gang violence in Elsies River was a challenging task that would require the involvement of all community members.
"We are talking about the 26 gangs, 27 gangs, and the 28 gangs basically, which is on the other side at White City. This is the 26 area, 27 area, in the opposite side, it’s the 28s rival gang," said Taylor.
No arrests have been made and police are still investigating.