GOOD Statement by Patricia Dixon, GOOD Swartland Councillor:
GOOD Party councillor in Swartland, Patricia Dixon, visited families in Kalbaskraal who have been affected by a surge in gang-related killings.
In the past eight weeks, six people have been brutally murdered, reportedly linked to gang violence. According to a community leader, four arrests have been made so far.
Among the victims was a young pregnant woman who was wounded when her home was set alight on Sunday. These violent attacks have left families shattered, with no assistance or relocation support provided to the affected households.
One victim, Ms Anneline Jacobs, was attacked with chains and stabbed. Her home has since been vandalised and boarded up after being accused of association with a rival group. This morning, around 10:15 am, she was still waiting to be taken to Swartland Hospital. By 11:30 am, the detectives assigned to assist her had not yet arrived.
Despite the severity of the situation, Ward Councillor Alan Williams of the Democratic Alliance (DA) has failed to take tangible action, yet reportedly objects to the support provided by opposition parties and community-based organisations (CBOs).
SAPS members have indicated that police visibility has been increased in response to the gun-related violence, and that Public Order Police (POP) officers were deployed to the area this morning.
During Councillor Dixon’s interaction with residents, many expressed fear of retaliation and concern that innocent people continue to suffer because of the ongoing violence. Community members emphasised the urgent need for poverty eradication, adequate housing, and basic service delivery, noting that Kalbaskraal residents are often excluded from Swartland Municipality’s implementation processes.
High unemployment and the lack of social impact programmes aimed at improving living conditions continue to fuel frustration and hopelessness among residents, conditions that perpetuate cycles of violence and neglect.
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