Gugs Appeals for Safety Amid Upcoming Exams
AFTER three gun murders in Gugulethu over the weekend, a group of religious leaders gathered outside the local police station on Saturday, advocating for safety and an end to the persistent violence in the community.
On Thursday, four security personnel were shot: one lost their life, while three others were injured and taken to the hospital. Shortly thereafter, a salon owner was also murdered near the location.
On Friday night, a double homicide occurred in the Lotus informal settlement.
This escalates the number of reported murders in the township to 10 in the last two weeks.
The group marched and presented a memorandum to the police, urging quick action to reduce gun violence and combat gender-based violence (GBV).
Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the incidents of gunfire.
“Gugulethu police have recorded two murder cases for investigation following a shooting incident on Friday evening, 10 October, around 6pm, in the Lotus informal settlement. Upon arrival, officers discovered two males, 23 and 29 years old, with gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by medical staff. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the motive are under police investigation, and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or anonymously use the MySAPS mobile app.”
Bishop Zamuxolo Mfihlo expressed the community’s deep concern regarding the increasing violent crime rates.
“We are troubled by the crime in Gugulethu. With our children preparing for their final exams, we are especially fearful. Just days ago, young boys were involved in fights at a high school, raising alarms about the surge in crime here. We hope everyone can unite to discuss solutions to this gun violence,” he said.
Among the attendees was College of Cape Town student Lifa Mfente, who mentioned that daily gunfire has left students in distress.
“I am grateful for the group’s efforts. They have advocated for us. Our college is situated in Gugulethu, where we frequently hear gunfire. As we approach final exams, it is distressing to prepare under such conditions. We worry about our ability to succeed,” he shared.
Mfente also emphasized that the group requested police to increase patrols around their campus for better visibility. “We seek more safety. As we stood outside the police station, two funerals were occurring, and the deceased were young individuals. We feel at risk,” he added.
Brenda Ntenteni, president of Zwelonke Western Cape, voiced concerns regarding the safety of learners headed to evening study sessions before exams.
“We urge the police to increase their presence for the learners’ safety. We also want to see an end to the violence in Gugulethu,” she stated.
The memorandum read by one of the marchers called for SAPS assistance in fostering a safer environment for learners during exam periods, including heightened patrols around schools, establishing temporary safety zones, and collaborating with school security to oversee entrances and exits.
It additionally recommended setting up emergency contact points for learners and educators, managing traffic near exam centers, and addressing GBV and substance abuse issues.
The document further urged police to conduct awareness campaigns on GBV prevention, offer confidential support services and referral pathways for victims, and partner with NGOs and social workers to ensure trauma-informed care and swift responses to GBV incidents.
Upon receiving the memorandum, Colonel McCloen stated he would pass it on to the station commander.
“We appreciate your presence at the station. We look forward to collaborating with you. Please understand that there are challenges at the police station. I will ensure the station commander receives the memorandum,” he concluded.