Residents in Parklands are voicing growing concern over crime in the area, warning that drug dealing, violence and a lack of visible policing are contributing to a deteriorating sense of safety in the community.
The concerns follow an attempted murder case registered by Table View police after a shooting incident in Morningford Road on Friday 3 April.
Daylight shooting triggers fear
According to police, a man was shot and wounded after intervening in an altercation between a group of men. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation, and no arrests have been made.
The incident unfolded near the busy Morningfield Spar during peak hours, causing panic among shoppers and nearby residents. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and described scenes of people fleeing for safety.
Vehicles, including a red Range Rover and a silver Audi, were allegedly seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the shooting.
Community members have suggested the altercation may have been linked to a dispute over money, believed to be connected to drug-related activity, although this has not been officially confirmed by police.
‘Happening in plain sight’
For many residents, the incident has reinforced concerns that crime in Parklands is becoming increasingly visible and normalised.
Allegations of open drug dealing around Park West Shopping Centre on Main Road have sparked particular outrage, with residents claiming that individuals are being approached openly in public spaces during the day.
“This is no longer something that happens in the shadows,” a resident wrote in a letter to TygerBurger. “People are being approached in broad daylight, in front of families and children.”
Residents warn that the situation is worsening and that a lack of intervention risks allowing criminal networks to become further entrenched in the area.
Policing stretched amid growing population
Frustration has also been directed at what residents describe as insufficient policing and a lack of visible law enforcement presence.
The Parklands Satellite Police Station on Parklands Main Road remains closed due to resource constraints, a longstanding issue that continues to impact policing in the area.
Ward councillor Jonathan Mills acknowledged the challenges, pointing to rapid population growth in Parklands and surrounding areas as a key factor placing strain on existing resources.
He said there is strong support for the reopening of the satellite police station, but stressed that this would only be effective if it is adequately staffed, warning against diverting already limited resources from Table View Police Station.
Mills further raised concerns about the broader need for increased policing infrastructure, suggesting that the scale of development in the area may ultimately require a fully fledged police precinct.
Environmental and safety concerns intersect
In addition to crime, residents have raised concerns about the expansion of informal settlements near Siyahlala and Pioneer Valley into the Table Bay Nature Reserve.
The encroachment, particularly along the Diep River floodplain, has reportedly resulted in pollution, habitat disruption and increased safety risks, with residents claiming that criminals are able to use these areas to evade detection.
Mills confirmed that the City is aware of the issue, noting that a court interdict has been granted to prevent further occupation of the land. He said discussions with human settlements authorities are ongoing to find longer-term solutions.
The area has also seen incidents of theft, including damage to municipal infrastructure such as fencing along stormwater facilities bordering the reserve.
Community demands accountability
Residents are now calling for urgent, coordinated action from authorities, including increased police patrols in identified hotspots, stronger engagement with the community policing forum and improved collaboration between law enforcement and private security.
Questions have also been directed at local leadership, with residents seeking clarity on what steps are being taken to address crime in the ward.
“We need visible action, coordination and accountability,” one resident said. “We cannot continue to live in a community where criminal activity operates without consequence.”
While ongoing infrastructure upgrades and long-term development plans have been noted, residents argue that immediate safety concerns must take priority.
A community at a crossroads
Parklands remains one of the fastest-growing areas in Cape Town, but residents warn that without decisive intervention, the area risks further decline in safety and stability.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential long-term impact on property values and the overall quality of life.
Despite the challenges, residents say they remain committed to the area and believe it can be restored to a safer environment — but only if meaningful action is taken.
“Parklands is a beautiful area,” a resident said. “But we cannot pretend everything is fine when it clearly is not.”
READ ALSO: Man wounded in Parklands shooting after intervening in dispute
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