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Under the cover of darkness, bodies lay mere metres apart soaked in puddles of blood.
In the early hours of Saturday 13 April, three people at the wrong place at the wrong time, a mother and two members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and others (LGBTQIA+) community died in gang shootings that rocked Hillview, Seawinds and Lavender Hill.
Reacting to the gang violence Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair Gavin Walbrugh said it was imperative for communities to stand together.
“The escalating violence has deeply impacted our neighbourhoods, and it is imperative that we stand together to address this urgent issue,” he said.
“Every member of our community plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.”
He urged residents to report any suspicious activities.
“The forum emphasises the importance of open communication and trust between police, law enforcement and the community.
“By working collaboratively, we can effectively create safer environments for all residents.”
Meanwhile, community leader and activist Clive Jacobs, who is acquainted with the victims, says there has been a worrying rise in gang violence since the beginning of this year.
“If they can shoot a woman, a mother and members of the LGBTQIA+ community then children are also at risk. The community feels the shootings are getting out of control.”
According to Jacobs, another shooting in St Montague Village claimed the life of a young man on Monday 15 April.
“A young person was shot in St Montague Village, so residents held a meeting to discuss the shootings. We feel the shootings are getting out of control.”
He adds: “Too little is being done. Gangs are also entering our schools. Just this week, gang members entered a school in Retreat and the school had to be shut down.
“They (gangs) don’t care, they enter our schools and recruit girls and boys.”
Ward 68 councillor Marita Petersen confirmed an incident that occurred at Sibelius Avenue in Retreat.
“We had an incident at Sibelius High School on Tuesday 16 April, at the fence of the school.”
Petersen explained that she was notified of an altercation at the school.
“There was apparently an altercation at the school and parents rushed to the school. What I appreciate about Sibelius High and Steenberg High is that they recognise that it is safer for learners to be at school.”
When questioned whether the altercation was gang-related, she confirmed that it was.
“From my conversation with staff at Sibelius High School there were allegedly gang members who entered the property and then the second day (Wednesday) something similar happened and we had law enforcement there who continue to do patrols.”
She discouraged anyone who tried to create panic in the community.
“The kids need to be at school so we discourage people from creating panic with messages on social media,” she said.
“We are also working with families who have lost their kids, we need to work together as a community.”
As a councillor, Petersen says she hopes to prevent the violence from Hillview and Seawinds from spilling into Steenberg and Retreat.
Mark Nicholson, a community leader from Lavender Hill, commented that children’s lives were being destroyed.
“Where are the political parties now, while our young people are being murdered?
“Lives are being destroyed and I feel for all parents who are shedding tears for their children.”
Nicholson expressed disappointment for the alleged lack of assistance in the community.
“We keep praying but the killings continue. They (authorities) have money to build roads and bridges, and road lines are painted, but they cannot help us.”
Anyone with information on the shooting incidents is urged to call 10111 or 112 from a cellphone. Alternatively, utilise anonymous reporting channels such as the mySAPS app.
People’s Post phoned the Muizenberg Police Station for a comment and to confirm the cases. However, no response was received at the time of going to print.
