Angry Kensington residents marched to their police station on Sunday to protest against the fact that there was only one police van and one detective to service the entire area.
Over 100 residents gathered in Sutherland Street to demand better police services in an area rife with gangsterism and drugs.
Residents did not want to speak and said the Kensington Community Policing Forum (CPF) are speaking on their behalf.
FULL FORCE: Leaders and community members met in Sutherland Street, Kensington in a show of solidarity against rampant gangsterism.
Photo: Jack Lestrade
CPF chairman, Mogamat Nordien, says residents are gatvol and have had to endure increased gang violence in the area.
“I have one message for the gangsters today: the CPF will not enter into peace negotiations with you. It’s not necessary for you to die by the gun if you have lived by the gun,” said Nordien.
“There’s hope for all of you. Put down your guns and come forward. From today we tell these gangsters your time is up! The police will come for you.
“Our residents should die in a dignified way and not by a stray bullet. The saddest part of these killings, is that our religious leaders must bury them (gangsters) in a dignified way.
“We’re not requesting you to lay down your guns, we are telling you. If the community is not going to get you, the state will get you,” a fiery Nordien said.
The memorandum was handed over to police and residents demanded feedback within two weeks.
Photo: Jack Lestrade
CPF secretary, Cheslyn Steenberg, listed the community’s grievances which include the fact that the Community Service Centre (CSC) only had three members on duty at a time, and that “one police van was on patrol in both sectors”.
“CSC has one active detective on duty,” said Steenberg.
“We want an active Gang Unit, with specialised skills and resources. Enough resources to ensure each shift has at least four members on patrol and six members on duty.”
They also want a properly outfitted Crime Prevention Unit to perform regular drug raids and better communication with residents.
“The CPF and community are willing and committed to take hands with the Kensington SAPS in fighting crime,” Steenberg added.
Captain FC van Wyk said the Western Cape police management were aware of the challenges at Kensington SAPS.
“Police management in the Western Cape are acutely aware of any demands in terms of policing. Therefore action plans are put in place and the Provincial Commissioner and his management team visits stations regularly to monitor the implementation of these plans,” Van Wyk said.