Cape Town gun violence disrupts lives of residents in Capricorn, Vrygrond areas

CAPE TOWN - Community members in the Capricorn and Vrygrond areas said that their daily lives are being disrupted by gun violence.   

Last week, at least three people were killed and four others injured in separate shootings in the area.

Police have confirmed to Eyewitness News that more visible policing is in place in the area as part of Operation Shanela. 

A community member, who wishes to remain anonymous, said their safety when travelling is compromised  

“Taxis are not driving, or shall I say taxis are driving randomly. They drop off the people in Prince George Drive, then the commuters must walk from Prince George Drive - whether it is day, whether it is night - into Capricorn, which is very dangerous for them”  

The city’s MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said they are committed to ensuring that peace is restored in the area.  

“The city is working with the South African Police [Service]. There are over 64 officers that we have deployed from our leap. Our law enforcement metro police and traffic along with SAPS AGU [Anti-Gang Unit] is also in the mix, and we are trying to just bring down and stop that violence, but a more thorough intervention is needed.”