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

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An Elsies River anti-crime activist said the prevalence of minor children getting involved with gangsterism needs to be addressed.

Fourteen-year-old Bradwin George was shot multiple times in the head by six suspects in Elsies River on Friday last week.

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Bradwin's murder comes amid ongoing shootings in the province, which have left more than 800 people dead in the last year, among them, 300 children.

On Monday, metro police officers arrested a 17-year-old for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition in Manenberg.

Less than forty hours prior, officers nabbed a 14-year-old suspect in possession of an illegal gun in Hanover Park.

Elsies River Safety Initiative spokesperson Imraahn Mukaddam said government and the community should be making more of an effort to keep young people out of gangs.

"We need to engage with young children much more before they get involved in any criminal activity."

The Western Cape Education Department said 82 extra safety officers have been deployed at schools to curb crime in gang hotspots.