An interfaith prayer session was hosted in Bonteheuwel on Sunday with parents calling for peace in Cape Flats communities.
More than 150 people gathered at Freedom Square, where they held hands and prayed for the safety of children.
Mom of four, Nadeema Samsodien, 47, says after the attempted snatching of a girl in Jakkalsvlei Avenue about a month ago, she became concerned.
“I saw it and thought about how dangerous it is getting for our children, so I started standing on the corner in the morning,” she says.
“With all the shootings and robberies, I was thinking what more can we do?
“There have been marches and protests and not much has come of it, so I went to Angus McKenzie and asked if we can have a prayer day where Christians and Muslims can come together.”
Ward councillor McKenzie says the event was well received by the community who joined hands to call for peace.
“It was amazing to see Christians and Muslims uniting for a common goal and that is a call for peace in Bonteheuwel,” he says.
“What is more amazing is that Bonteheuwel people took time to pray for other communities on the Cape Flats affected by gang violence.”
The prayers will now be held monthly at Freedom Square. The next event is on 28 October at 3pm.
McKenzie says the event, planned in conjunction with Nadeema, saw many people breach religious boundaries and turn to faith to bring healing.