NGO says gang violence restricts movements of children & impacts their education

Social welfare organisation Badisa said gang violence not only restricted movement for children, but it also impacted their education.

The NGO’s comment comes after several shootings in Cape Town.

ALSO READ:

- 'It just doesn't stop': Elsies River CPF says residents being held hostage by gangsters

- CT gun violence putting innocent people at risk - Bishop Lavis, Bontheuwel sub-council chair

- JMPD raises alarm over rise in youth gang violence

In one of the most recent gang-related shootings on Tuesday, a teenage boy died after being hit by a stray bullet in Elsies River.  

The organisation’s Shannon Usher said gang violence forces children to adopt intense survival instincts at a young age.  

"Children’s movements within the community is restricted. Say, for instance, I live in the one street which belongs to the one rival gang and the other street belongs to a different gang and I walk past that street, I will be bullied. The children cannot walk around freely; their movement within the community is restricted."

Usher added that the violence also increased a child’s anxiety levels.

"If the child is writing exams, for instance, then the child is already afraid to leave the home. Parents have undertaken it to walk with the child to school to ensure that the child gets to school safely. While that child is writing the exams, that child is already thinking about once he leaves this exam location, the rivalry gang is waiting for him outside."

JOIN US ON WHATSAPP

Stay ahead of the story: Join our WhatsApp channel today.

Want breaking news at your fingertips, the moment it happens? Our WhatsApp Channel is the fastest way to stay connected with the stories that matter most.

From breaking news alerts to exclusive stories, analysis and must-read features - you’ll get it all directly on your phone.

Joining is simple.

Just click Follow on our WhatsApp Channel and stay informed.