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Cape Town - While warring gangs on one side of Manenberg have put down their weapons, gunmen on the opposite end have started firing.
Those living to the south of Turfhall Road finally have experienced a peaceful weekend, but those living on the opposite end of the gang-infested community now seem to be under siege.
Peace talks between the Americans and Hard Livings gangs took place on a field on Friday, witnessed by a crowd of residents.
Roegchanda Pascoe, chairperson of the Manenberg Safety Forum who oversaw the negotiation, said while no consensus had been reached, talks were ongoing.
“But we made one thing clear: this war has to stop. This community has had enough of the ongoing shootings and deaths in recent months,” she said.
But locals are divided as to whether negotiations should be entered into with gangsters in the first place.
“Why are they being treated like people who have a say into how the streets are run?” single mother Sadia Pillay asked.
“They are being treated like they actually have control of this community. They are murderers. They are shooting our children and holding us hostage.
“Instead of talking peace, they should have brought their guns and shot each other on the field. Maybe then we would be rid of this sickness plaguing Manenberg.”
John Hartnick, who has been living in Manenberg for 35 years, agreed.
“Next time the army and police should come and arrest all of them who have the cheek to come and defend their actions in public. And people still gather around and listen to it!
“In all the years that I have lived here, I have lost track of how many peace talks there have been. It lasts a few months and then they find a reason to go to war again. Enough, man. They need to get out!”
But Emmie February is adamant a few days without gunshots is good enough for her.
“It’s a relief to just feel safe, even if it’s just for a little while. My children can actually enjoy playing outside again,” she said.
“I don’t agree with negotiating with criminals. But if it means that I finally don’t need to feel like a prisoner in my own home anymore, then I support anything that allows it.”
While no incidents have been reported in the vicinity after the negotiations, police say sporadic shootings have flared up on the opposite end of Manenberg.
Shots have reportedly been fired in the Greatfish, Towerkop, Phoenix and Gamka roads at the weekend.
Authorities have increased its resources in these areas, police confirmed.
