Gang members wearing reflective jackets have appointed themselves as transport marshals at informal taxi pick-up points in Manenberg. This has alarmed Col Harry Brickles, Manenberg Crime Prevention Commander, and his team.
“This has created a turf conflict issue,” he says. “Gang bosses themselves are overseeing this taxi turf, which will soon explode into a violent situation.”
Consequently, Brickles warns, this poses a huge risk for commuters. “Gangs are cowards and will start shooting into crowds. They will use commuters as shields during this conflict. We will not tolerate this behaviour.”
Gangs ‘extort legal operators’
Furthermore, Brickles says the taxi association within Manenberg should not criminalise itself by allowing gangs to charge protection fees. Nor should gangs regulate who picks up or drops off commuters. Communities, too, must take responsibility by reporting incidents when they happen in their presence.
“In fact, we had reports that gangs openly force commuters out of taxis to put them into other taxis. This creates rivalry,” he says. “Gang members stand openly with illegal firearms, pretending to protect commuters. Taxi associations within the Manenberg precinct conduct legal business, but gang members extort money from these legal operators for protection.”
Police warn: ‘Leave Manenberg’
Therefore, police have been monitoring these pick-up points and are sending a stern warning to gangs involved in extortion. “We will take you to task and charge you criminally,” says Brickles.
“Extortion is a crime. Leave Manenberg if you are not adding value to this community. We will not allow gangs to take control and conduct illegal business. This includes lucrative tender processes and the taxi transport industry,” he says.
Station commander vows action
Meanwhile, Brig Jayce Naidoo, Station Commander of Manenberg police, has vowed to stop this illegal practice. In response, police will take all taxi-operators to task. Traffic and law enforcement officers have already begun a special operation.
“The crime prevention task team will publish the names of gang members who think they own the streets,” says Naidoo. “The streets of Manenberg belong to the people, not to the cowards who pose as heroes to our youth.”
In addition, Naidoo called in integrated crime prevention teams. He urged communities to support them and take part in crime prevention initiatives by reporting illegal and criminal behaviour.
Communities urged to break the silence
Similarly, taxi associations within the Manenberg policing precinct must start opening criminal cases. Naidoo will ensure that investigators conduct thorough investigations.
Ultimately, it is the silence that will allow cowards to overpower the good in Manenberg.
Anyone with information can contact Manenberg police on 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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