The announcement last night by president Cyril Ramaphosa that the South African National Defence Force will be deployed in gang-infected communities has been welcomed by the community of Bonteheuwel.
Bonteheuwel has been plagued by gang violence for many years and despite attempts from various law enforcement agencies to curb it, the violence continued. During the last two weeks two women died violently, with shooting incidents an almost daily occurence.
Welcome deployment
Angus McKenzie, local ward councillor, says that as a community they have shown that when a community refuses to bow to gangsters, when residents work with law enforcement, and when visible policing is consistent and firm, crime can be pushed back.
“Today, gang elements in our area no longer operate with the arrogance they once did. They function opportunistically because they know this community is watching, organised, and unafraid. I welcome the deployment of the army to gang-infested areas. It brings much needed stabilisation and sends a strong message that the state recognises the seriousness of the crisis. But let us be honest, stabilisation is not the same as a solution.
“The real weakness in the fight against gangsterism is not only on the streets. It sits within a criminal justice system that has too often failed victims, failed witnesses, and failed communities. Arrests mean very little if cases collapse, if prosecutions are weak, or if hardened criminals are released back into the very neighbourhoods they terrorise,” says McKenzie.
Permanently dismantle
According to him if the government is serious about permanently dismantling gangs, they must empower those who have proven their willingness and capability.
“Our metro police and law enforcement officers need expanded powers including investigative authority and the necessary competencies so they can do more than just respond. They must be able to build cases, pursue syndicates, and ensure convictions. Communities like ours, and places elsewhere on the Cape Flats, have demonstrated that local, visible, accountable policing works. The question now is whether the president is prepared to devolve policing powers to capable metros who are ready to take responsibility and deliver results. Our people deserve more than temporary deployments. They deserve lasting safety,” says McKenzie.
