“We Are In This For The Long Haul”: Government Unveils New Anti-Gang Plan for Westbury and Reiger Park

In the wake of recent mass shootings that have terrorized residents, the government has pledged a renewed and intelligence-driven national strategy to combat gang violence in hotspots like Westbury and Reiger Park. The plan aims to dismantle what officials describe as sophisticated criminal networks, not just street-level thugs.

The commitment came during a high-level meeting on Monday between Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, community leaders, and senior SAPS management. The engagement was a direct response to the escalating violence that has left families mourning and communities living in fear.

A New Battle Against “Big Business” Crime

Minister Cachalia framed the challenge in stark terms, revealing that the government is up against a deeply entrenched enemy. “This is not ordinary gang violence,” Cachalia stated. “These young people are being recruited by big businesses with accountants and lawyers working across borders.”

The newly revised anti-gang strategy, already being rolled out in Gauteng, the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, will focus on strengthening police intelligence and detective work. It also promises better coordination with agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to hit criminal syndicates where it hurtstheir finances and assets.

Acknowledging the root drivers, Cachalia pointed to the proliferation of illegal firearms and drug trafficking, noting the increasing involvement of foreign syndicates.

Bridging the “Trust Gap” with Communities

A recurring theme was the fragile relationship between the police and the communities they serve. Cachalia admitted that victims and witnesses are often too afraid to come forward. “We must bridge the trust gap and build strong community forums,” he said, emphasizing that the fight is a long-term one.

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero gave voice to the human cost, recounting emotional testimonies from residents. “One woman said her son, a soccer coach, was killed just before turning 30,” Morero shared, adding that families often have to move to safer rooms in their own homes during shootings.

Community Frustration: “We Are Still Here With The Gangsters”

Despite the high-level promises, community activists and residents expressed deep-seated frustration, demanding that words be matched with tangible action on the ground.

Eugene Dums, a community activist, highlighted the lack of police visibility and the failure to target kingpins. “The police come two hours after the incidents. They arrest the small boys but leave the real dealers. They know who runs the gangs,” Dums said.

Residents also voiced their concerns over under-resourced Community Policing Forums (CPFs). Samuel Basters, a Westbury resident, captured the sentiment of abandonment: “The minister and SAPS will leave, but we will still be here with the gangsters.”

Dums proposed concrete support, suggesting the government provide monthly stipends, protective gear, and vehicles for CPF members who act as first responders without any official support.

The meeting ended with a consensus that a multi-pronged approach is essentialone that combines smarter policing with social interventions like better housing and recreational facilities. For the residents of Westbury and Reiger Park, the real test will be whether this new plan translates into safer streets or becomes another forgotten promise.

{Source: Timeslive}

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