By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has announced that he will be convening a meeting with the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government this week to find lasting solutions to the high levels of gang violence in Cape Town.
He believes collaborating and sharing of resources between the three spheres of government which include local, provincial and national government will yield better results and will ultimately ensure a collective responsibility in the fight against crime.
Mchunu was addressing residents of Hanover park and other areas within the City of Cape Town who are affected by gang violence.
He has equally highlighted the important role that communities need to play in assisting the police to put a stop to gang violence.
During his address at the Ministerial stakeholder engagement session, he has also taken the opportunity to condemn an attack on a leap officer attached to the City of Cape Town by the community of Hanover park yesterday during operations.
A law enforcement officer was injured after being attacked by community members in Hanover Park, Cape Town.
Safety and security MMC JP Smith said metro police and law enforcement officers responded to a report of several shots fired at about 9am. When they arrived they saw an armed suspect who fled the scene.
“One of the law enforcement officers pursued him on foot. The suspect turned around and took aim at the officer, who drew his weapon and opened fire,” Smith said. “However, a group alleged to be gang members started hurling stones at the officer.
“He sustained head injuries and a patrol vehicle was damaged. The officer has since been taken to a medical facility for treatment.”
The firearm used by the suspect was grabbed by bystanders and disposed of.
A resident, who was shot and wounded, has been admitted to hospital.
The motive behind the shootings is unclear.
Smith said a similar incident occurred in Ottery where bystanders intervened in criminal activities.
Mchunu has ordered that illegal firearms be removed from the streets. The Minister called on the community of Hanover Park to work together with the police in removing #GunsOffTheStreets and report those in possession of illegal firearms to the police.