Manenberg police have issued a stern warning that illegal street parties will be shut down.
“Community members be warned,” said Manenberg police station commander, Brigadier Jayce Naidoo.
Brigadier Naidoo said these parties were “strictly prohibited” due to horrific past experiences.
“The last street party, a teenage girl and a male friend were killed in cold blood and shortly afterwards the perpetrator was also gunned down,” said Brigadier Naidoo.
According to Manenberg police, these street parties have been known to be run “by the dominant street gangs”.
“These street parties are under the guise of children’s parties, where alcohol, with no regard to the law, and drugs become freely available.”
Manenberg Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson, Vanessa Adriaanse, fully supported police.
“As a CPF, we are fully against these illegal parties.”
She said the incident that occurred about a month ago, saw three people dead in the space of two days – all stemming from an illegal street party.
“The church cannot even have a service without applying for the necessary permits with the City, but we cannot understand how these street parties have become the norm in our community,” she said.
“We are not saying people cannot have a party at their house or backyards and really enjoy the festive season, we definitely want that, but we need to be very cautious, because most of the time it turns into a chaos, people get stabbed etc.”
Ms Adriaanse said jointly with the City of Cape Town and Manenberg police, the CPF plans to tackle illegal street parties.
“We also urge neighbours and residents to report these illegal street parties taking place. Again we are not saying people cannot enjoy the festive season, but we also want people to be safe.”
Brigadier Naidoo stressed that illegal street parties will be stopped.
Police will confiscate sound equipment under the nuisance by-law act for public disturbance, according to Brigadier Naidoo.
“If you did not apply for an events permit from the City of Cape Town, that will not be approved by Manenberg SAPS. You will face criminal charges. If any gang activity takes place, you will be charged,” Brigadier Naidoo warned the public.
