Anti-crime activists implore govt to protect innocent children from gang violence

CAPE TOWN - Anti-crime activists are calling on the government to do more to curb children from getting roped into gang violence.

Statistics show about 80 children are being killed in shootings and stabbings in the Western Cape every three months.

The Western Cape Health Department said there had been a 12.82% decrease in incidents this year.

However, Cape Flats Safety Forum chairperson Abi Isaacs said the figures are still alarming.

"We further call on a special probe to deal with gun violence specifically in and around the western cape. The premier of the western cape or the president of the country needs to set up this probe as a matter of urgency."  

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Mitchells Plain community police forum chairperson, Norman Jantjies said various issues need to be addressed to curb the problem.

"Unemployment, early school dropouts, lack of facilities... If we look at Mitchells Plain, for instance, most of our community centres are inaccessible for young people."

Jantjies also mentioned a lack of sports facilities for young people in certain areas along the Cape Flats.