- The Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) has expressed support for the justice system after five suspects were arrested and eight others were killed in a cash-in-transit robbery attempt in Town Two, Khayelitsha.
- The KDF leader praised the police for their efforts in combating crime, but expressed concern over the release of three suspects by the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court, which he believes sets a bad precedent.
- The KDF is urging the community to work with the police to fight crime and emphasized their commitment to promoting development and economic growth in the area.
Members of the Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) say they rally behind the justice system and urged the communities not to lose hope.
They were commenting after five suspects were arrested in Town Two, Khayelitsha, in connection with the planned cash in transit robbery on Monday 5 August.
At least eight people were shot dead and five arrested during the exchange fire with the officers.
A KDF leader, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, praised the law enforcement agencies for a stunning job in combating crime in the area.
He described the killings and arrests as a lesson to other criminals who are contemplating to do similar things. He said there’s no space for criminals in Khayelitsha.
“The officers did a great job in making sure that the eight criminals met their forefathers before time and arrested five. What is devastating the most is to hear that none of the deceased are from Khayelitsha. They were the people who wanted to tarnish our community,” he said.
However, he stated that they are disturbed by the release of three other suspects by Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 8 August after they appeared in court.
Two other suspects are still in hospitals.
“This is a bad precedent, particularly done by the officers who already have a bad reputation in the communities.
“Many people don’t like or trust the officers because of their shenanigans. But, that doesn’t mean that we won’t applaud them when they are doing a great job,” stated the leader.
He said he is concerned about the escalating crime in Khayelitsha as it chased investors away.
He emphasised that as KDF they endorse anything that has something to do with the development in the area.
“Ours is to ensure that Khayelitsha is developed and has a positive impact to our economy. We condemn any violence and we appeal to the community to work with the police to fight crime,” he urged.
