Manenberg residents have pleaded with gangsters to end the bloodshed, but say they were turned away by skollies on Sunday who are dead serious about getting revenge after an alleged gang boss was killed.
Residents from the area known as “The Sevens” marched on Sunday calling for an end to the shootings between former allies, the Clever Kidz and Dixie Boys gangs.
Manenberg Police Station Commander Brigadier Sanele Zama says on Saturday an innocent man was hit by a stray bullet while walking near Johanna Court.
“The 45-year-old man was hit in the left leg and taken to hospital. On this side, known as The Sevens, there is a gang fight between the Clever Kidz and the Dixie Boys.
“The two gangs who are known for being allies turned on each other which led to the death of a man known as Sietjie who led the Clever Kidz after the alleged former leader Moegamat Faeez ‘Faizy’ Hendricks was sentenced to life in prison.”
Zama explains that Hendricks, who was convicted of murder at the Western Cape High Court in October 2019, had lodged an appeal but allegedly needed money.
“It is believed that Sietjie was collecting money for the appeal. The other members didn’t agree and wanted their cut. That is why he was killed.”
A 47-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, says residents demonstrated peacefully but their pleas for peace were rejected by the gangs.
“The community wants peace, we can’t even leave our houses the way they are shooting.
“The Dixie Boys went over to make peace, but the Clever Kidz said no and that two more must still die before they will make peace.”