Elton Jansen, Sub-council 12 chairperson
Today (Monday January 13), the Democratic Alliance constituency head for Mitchell’s Plain, Ricardo Mackenzie and ward councillor Avron Plaatjies met with Lentegeur SAPS station commander Colonel Umavathie Rameshwarnath to address the deeply concerning rise in gang violence plaguing our communities.
The senseless violence, particularly in Lentegeur and surrounding areas, has reached unacceptable levels, and immediate, unified action is needed to restore peace and safety.
Councillors Joan Woodman, Goawa Timm, Bernadette Clarke, Frank Raymond and others unequivocally call for a ceasefire and demand an end to the violence tearing apart our neighbourhoods. The safety and security of every resident, especially our children, is non-negotiable.
This afternoon’s meeting was an urgent response to the current crisis, and we reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with SAPS, the Metro Police, local law enforcement, and community leaders. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for all stakeholders — law enforcement, community organisations, schools, parents, faith-based institutions, and residents — to come together in pursuit of solutions.
We are also calling on:
• SAPS and Law Enforcement:
Increase visible policing, conduct daily stop-and-search operations, and ensure that gang hotspots are monitored 24/7. SAPS must work closely with community patrols, including the walking bus ladies, to protect learners travelling to and from school.
• Community members: If you have information about gang activities or individuals involved, report it immediately. Remaining silent perpetuates the cycle of violence.
• Government and civil society: To continue giving trauma support and mobile community resource centres in affected areas, providing a space for residents to report incidents and receive counselling and assistance.
• Local businesses: Collaborate with authorities in high-risk areas, ensuring community safety after hours. The violence we are witnessing cannot continue. Every resource at our disposal must be mobilised to protect our residents and create safer spaces.
This is a call for action — but also for accountability and urge our prosecution authorities to prosecute individuals. We urge all community members to help in fostering peace. Talk to your families. Challenge the culture of silence. Let us be relentless in our fight against these gangsters.
We stand with the people of Mitchell’s Plain and will not rest until peace is restored. Together, we can build a future free from fear and violence, a future where hope triumphs over despair.
Let’s work together for a safer, stronger Mitchell’s Plain.
