NABEELAH MOHEDEEN
Just days after rival gangs, the Americans, Clever Kids, and Hard Livings, came to an agreement to end the continuous shooting in Manenberg, another person was killed, allegedly a member of the Hard Livings gang.
Freedom Day meant anything but freedom for the residents of Manenberg last Wednesday April 27, when a 27-year-old man was shot and killed near Jordan Street. He sustained one bullet wound to his chest and another to his hip.
Manenberg police spokes-man Lieutenant Ian Bennett said the incident occurred at around 8.15pm on Wednesday night.
Lieutenant Bennett said a 23-year-old suspect from Manenberg was arrested and charged with murder. He said it is unclear if the shooting is gang-related.
“The investigation continues,” said Lieutenant Bennett.
About an hour before the incident, two 22-year-old men were shot in Humber Street, around the corner from Jordan Street. The one suspect was shot in his chin and the other in his leg. The two men are believed to be members of the Americans gang.
“No suspects have been arrested and cases of attempted murder are being investigated,” said Lieutenant Bennett.
As part of Operation Combat, Bishop Lavis police arrested 119 suspects within seven days for various crimes, by Sunday May 1. The arrests were made during a number of operations and stop-and-searches.
Among those arrested, was a 37-year-old man, who was arrested in Ironwood Street, Bonteheuwel, for the illegal possession of ammunition, and three men between the ages of 20 and 55 years, arrested in Loganberry Street, Bonteheuwel, who were arrested for the possession and dealing of 79 dagga stoppe, nine packets of tik and 15 mandrax tablets.
Three firearms were also confiscated during the operation.
Station commander, Briga-dier Christopher Jones, said gangs and gang activity is the station’s priority, adding that he will make all resources available to combat this scourge. He has also commended police members who worked tirelessly to effect arrests and combat gang activity, while some members of the community openly supported gangs by stoning police members in the execution of their duties.
“Attacks on SAPS members will not be tolerated, the community that perpetrate these crimes must not expect any leniency when SAPS members act against them and bring them to book.”
Brigadier Jones expressed his concern that the community is prepared to criminalise themselves, to protect gang members by acting against the police.
“It is imperative that the community allow SAPS to combat crime and take down crime generators. I commend the members and other law enforcement agencies for their effort in ensuring the safety of all communities.
“We appreciate all volunteers, reservists, neighbourhood watch members, street committee members and the community police forum members for fostering a strong partnership with SAPS in ensuring all people are and feel safe,” Brigadier Jones said.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or the Emergency Call Centre at 10 111.