Overcoming gun violence

OVERCOME Heights residents claim that their trust in SAPS is being restored as the area has become calmer due to an increase in police presence. 

Last week, residents of the gang-ridden informal settlement chained themselves to the gates of Parliament due to the ongoing gang violence that has plagued the community in recent months.

The shootings are believed to be triggered by infighting within the Junky Funky Kids.

Overcome Heights Community leader, Karen Mentoor said that their confidence in police is being restored knowing that efforts are being made to rid the streets of illegal firearms.

She explained: "We have the gang watch in our area and we feel a lot safer knowing the gang watch is here. We do have visibility during the day and the shootings are fewer. 

"The children are busy with exams. I asked some children how they feel now and they said they are a bietjie skrikkirig at any sound they hear.

"When we went to chain ourselves at the gates of Parliament, it wasn’t just for us and our community. It was for women and children across the Cape where gang violence is taking over.

"We feel that a plan of action needs to be implemented by the Minister of Police. If we are not noticed then I will go and chain myself again to the gates of Parliament until they take note of us.”

Another resident also said that she is feeling better and safer in her community.

“Dit is baie stil. Police are visible and it makes us feel safer, especially our youngsters because the shooting was bad, we were scared to leave our houses.”

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a 47-year-old suspect was arrested on Wednesday after a 9mm pistol was found hidden in a cupboard with seven rounds of ammunition.

Twigg said that once the suspect has been charged, he will appear in the Muizenberg Magistrates Court.