Angry parents and pupils took to the streets of Manenberg on Monday following a flare-up in shootings over the weekend.
Parents say while they are eagerly awaiting the army’s arrival in Manenberg, they will not keep silent as their children’s lives are put in danger by gun-wielding skollies.
On Monday shortly before 8am, pupils from Phoenix High School and parents took to Duinefontein Road where they picketed, participated in a human chain and called for peace.
Pupils had a very clear message. Picture: Monique Duval
The event was arranged by the Taking Back Our Streets group.
It followed a march on Sunday during which residents picketed various gang turfs and called for skollies to lay down their guns.
A 31-year-old mom, who asked not to be named, says the recent fights between the Fancy Boys and Americans gangs have them living in fear.
“Everything was fine because they signed a peace accord, but now this Hitchie of the Fancy Boys comes and makes k** here and it was so rustig.
“They shot people on Thursday and yesterday and we are all scared for our children.”
Manenberg residents taking back their streets. Picture: Monique Duval
Co-ordinator Abdul-Karriem Adams says the picket follows the shootings in Gamka Street.
“This is the second month that we are hosting marches and pickets,” he says.
“There are mixed feelings about the army coming because they were here the last time and when they left it just started again. But the community wants to unite.”
Abdul-Karriem Adams says the picket follows recent shootings in Gamka Street. Picture: Monique Duval
Ward councillor Aslam Cassiem, who also attended the human chain, says more residents needed to participate in the pickets.
“We are calling for the community to unite and stand together against the violence.
“More people need to participate as we are all being affected by the gunfire.”
