Minister Allen visits Manenberg after recent shootings

Today, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen, visited Manenberg to engage various stakeholders after a recent flare up in gang shootings in the area.

These stakeholders included the local South African Police Services (SAPS), Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers, other City of Cape Town law enforcement agencies, Traffic officials, neighbourhood watch (NHW) and Community Police Forum (CPF) members. 

Since Thursday, 1 December 2022, a range of gang shootings occurred in parts of Manenberg, which left 4 people dead. This includes a 69-year-old woman who succumbed to her injuries over the weekend. The officers have arrested 17 suspects and confiscated 4 firearms.

Minister Reagen Allen said: “The latest flare ups are a deep worry. I feel for the residents of Manenberg, as they are being held hostage by heartless gangsters. Living in fear is not what we want for any community across the Western Cape.”

“I’m grateful to LEAP, SAPS, all other law enforcement agencies and traffic services, for playing their role in seeking to stabilise the area. I would also like to thank the neighbourhood watch and CPF members, for their unwavering commitment to creating safer communities, and supporting the law enforcement agencies. The only way we’ll ever be effective in combatting crime is by working together,” added Minister Reagen Allen.

Minister Reagen Allen continued: I am deeply concerned about reports that there are a few community members who are pelting law enforcement officers with stones when they go into areas to effect arrest or confiscate weapons. This is unacceptable, as it only emboldens gangsters to continue terrorising our communities. I urge law enforcement to not hesitate in arresting those that are making themselves guilty by acting in this manner.”

“If we are serious about stopping gangs and their illegal activities in our areas, we have to work together as one. It is vital that we refrain from getting involved in criminal activities,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.