WC Social Development Dept making an effort to prevent minors from joining gangs

The Western Cape Department of Social Development said it is making an effort to prevent minors from joining gangs.

This follows a spike in incidents involving children in gang-related activity in the province over the past few months.

The department said there are a number of reasons why minors were getting involved in gangsterism.

ALSO READ: WC's Social Development Dept says it's tackling gang violence involving minors with targeted programmes

Head of the Western Cape Department of Social Development, Robert MacDonald, said there had been an increase in the recruitment of minors into gangs in the province.

"There's been an increase in the recruitment of teenagers and children for shooting and for hiding drugs and other kinds of activities because there is a perception that these children can't be arrested."

MacDonald said the department has a numberof programmes aimed at preventing children from joining gangs.

"This includes school programmes with funded NGOs, as well as departmental social workers. Also, the department runs security facilities which are designed to assist children and youth who have become involved in risky behaviour and starting to get involved in gangs."

MacDonald said the security facilities also offered minors rehabilitation to become role models in their communities.

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