The violent criminals who hold Heideveld hostage are often known to the community, but the authorities can do little to lock them up and end gangsterism in the area if residents won’t point them out.
So says Heideveld Community Police Forum spokeswoman Vanessa Adriaanse who spoke to the 100-odd people who met with CPF representatives and Manenberg police officers between Susan and Rosa courts on Sunday to discuss crime in the area.
The parents of those committing crime knew who they were but did nothing to stop them while residents complained about continued shooting but weren’t prepared to identify the perpetrators, she said.
Lives were lost to gang wars and young people were sucked into a life of crime and gangsterism while thugs exploited the community’s reluctance to stand up, she said.
“Today we are done talking. As community leaders, we are saying that if residents don’t stand up, we can’t do much. It’s not normal that we have to stand here as if we feel the pain alone. You guys have to speak up today.”
CPF chairman Pastor Vernon Visagie said: “We know who they are, know what they do, and we still allow it. The very same people who say SAPS is not good ask us where SAPS is when people are killed.
“Heideveld doesn’t need more Law Enforcement or police. Residents must decide what they want because, according to them, SAPS is no good. We need to work with SAPS because we have nowhere to turn to. We will work with SAPS to get our community back to where it needs to be.
“The very same people who break into our churches, we have to stand up and bury them. We have had enough. We are going to get together and say that we will not bury those thugs. We cannot allow this to happen.
“The people that sell and buy the stuff are to be blamed. If you know of anyone too who is making the community unsafe, then be bold enough to speak up.”
However, Heideveld resident Marwaan Hanslo said people did not trust the police because of corruption within the force.
“They are being paid off by gangsters to make our community stay unsafe. When we give information, the perpetrators know it was us. How do they know?”
Claudia Petersen said residents were stealing opportunities from their own children by doing crime.
“There are so many talented children, but they can’t go out and do anything because criminals are holding them hostage. Say something, do something. You owe that to yourselves and to your children.”
Children couldn’t play soccer because of ongoing shooting, said Santos Football Club chairman Abdullah Simons.
“Children need to be able to play and walk around like we used to. Leave all of this crime, let us be safe in our communities and make it safe for our children and grandchildren.”
Manenberg police spokesman Captain Ian Bennett said everyone wanted peace, but no one wanted to help themselves and report crime.
There was increased stone-throwing by children who were protected or even supported in their misdeeds by their mothers he said, adding that the same applied with those responsible for shooting.
“Many of the shooters are under 18, and their mothers won’t report it. Someone knows who the shooters are; it is someone’s father, brother, daughter. Someone also knows who the next target is. We ask that residents come forward if they are really serious about stopping crime. Report drug houses because they are the ones getting in money for selling drugs and guns. Our members vans are being damaged, and they are being hurt, putting their lives at risk.”
