Gangsterism in Western Cape: Criminologist says minors have not been provided an alternative

A criminologist says more minors are getting involved in gangsterism in the Western Cape because they have not been provided with an alternative.

Just last week, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the head multiple times in a suspected gang-related incident in Elsies River.

In less than three days, police arrested two minors for illegal possession of guns in Manenberg and Hanover Park.

These are the most recent among numerous incidents involving minors in suspected gang-related activity in the province over the past few months.

READ: Prevalence of minors getting involved with gangsterism must be addressed: Elsies River activist

Criminologist, Dr Simon Howell, said minors get involved in gangs as a response to a host of social issues.

"Kids join gangs because they want... in the same way that people want good jobs and want careers so they can have an income and have a nice life and that's exactly what gangsterism is offering."

Howell said children join gangs because they look up to gang leaders, who have power and money.

"Gangsterism is powerful precisely because we have yet to provide a realisable and realistic alternative for young people to actually develop themselves and develop their skill set and have careers and have fruitful lives."

Howell said while policing is important, it' not enough to deter young people from seeing gangsterism as an option.