Cape Crime Crisis Coalition says no tangible evidence of interventions against gang violence
The coalition is calling for a national commission of inquiry into gang violence in South Africa.
FILE: Scores of Cape Town residents joined a mass prayer on 8 December 2024 calling for a stop to the killing of people by gangsters. Picture: Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The Cape crime crisis coalition says government has listed gang violence as one of its priorities, but there's been no tangible evidence of interventions.
The coalition is calling for a national commission of inquiry into gang violence in South Africa.
READ: Cape Crime Crisis Coalition calls for commission of inquiry into gang violence in SA
Crime statistics for the third quarter of the year show the Western Cape recorded the highest number of gang-related murders in the country, with 263 cases reported.
But the coalition's chairperson, Llewelyn Macmaster, said other provinces are also affected.
"So many interventions have failed. And the government's response has been a catastrophic cycle of broken promises, corruption and short-term police stunts."
Macmaster said President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to act fast.
"The time for excuses is over. The blood is flowing on our streets. We need to get to the root of the problems and find lasting solutions."
Macmaster said the coalition is consulting with a wide range of civil society organisations to support its call for a commission of inquiry.